New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday condoled the deaths in the Puri stampede, describing the incident a ‘serious warning’ on the lapses in security and crowd management during the Rath Yatra.
He also demanded punishment for the guilty.
“The stampede incident during the Rath Yatra in Puri is extremely tragic. I express my deep condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured devotees,” wrote Gandhi on X.
“I appeal to the Odisha government to expedite relief efforts and urge Congress workers to provide every possible assistance in this regard,” he said.
Pointing an accusing finger at the BJP government in Odisha, he said, “This tragedy is a serious warning – for such large events, security arrangements and crowd management preparations must be taken seriously and thoroughly reviewed. Protecting lives is paramount, and no lapses in this responsibility are acceptable.”
At least three devotees were killed while six others are undergoing treatment at the hospital, till reports last came in. The stampede occurred between 4 a.m. and 4.30 a.m. on Sunday, according to Odisha officials. (IANS)
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