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Puri Stampede Tragedy: 7 Police Officers Face Action Amid ICCC Failure

The Odisha government has taken strong action following the tragic stampede during Puri's Rath Yatra. Seven police officers face disciplinary proceedings for serious lapses in supervision and crowd management. The investigation revealed that key officers were absent during the critical period when the stampede occurred. Additionally, the technology vendor responsible for the Integrated Command and Control Centre has been blacklisted for multiple system failures.

Key Points: Odisha Acts Against 7 Police Officers Over Puri Stampede Lapses

  • Two senior officers absent during crucial crowd management period
  • Only 123-232 of 275 CCTV cameras were functional during stampede
  • Vehicle carrying chariot ropes triggered panic in densely packed area
  • AI-based crowd density and facial recognition systems failed to perform
  • Government blacklists technology firm Invent Grid India Pvt Ltd
2 min read

Odisha govt orders action against 7 police officers, blacklists ICCC vendor over Puri stampede lapses

Odisha government orders disciplinary action against 7 police officers and blacklists ICCC vendor after probe reveals serious lapses in Puri stampede that killed 3.

"serious lapses in police supervision, poor coordination with the temple administration and failure of the AI-based Integrated Command and Control Centre - Home Department Report"

Bhubaneswar, Nov 8

The Odisha government has ordered disciplinary action against seven police officers and decided to blacklist a private technology firm after an enquiry into the June 29 stampede near the Gundicha Temple in Puri during the Rath Yatra, which claimed three lives and left several injured.

In an official communication, the Home (Special Section) Department said the government has accepted the findings of the probe led by the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (Planning & Coordination), which cited serious lapses in police supervision, poor coordination with the temple administration and failure of the AI-based Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

The officers found negligent police officers which include Ajay Kumar Padhi, Commandant, OSAP 3rd Battalion, Koraput; Vishnu Prasad Pati, DCP (HQ), Bhubaneswar–Cuttack; Tapas Ranjan Das, Commandant, SSMSV, Puri; K.K. Nayak, Deputy Commandant, SSMSV, Puri; Prasanta Kumar Sahoo, DSP City, Puri; Susanta Kumar Sahoo, IIC, Kumbharapada Police Station; and Sarada Prasad Dash, Commandant, OSAP 8th Battalion, Chatrapur.

The enquiry found that the two senior-most officers incharge of crowd management -- Padhi and Pati -- were absent from the ground during the crucial period and failed to supervise the massive gathering. Both are already under suspension. The DGP has been asked to initiate proceedings against them under Rule 15 of the Odisha Civil Services (CCA) Rules, 1962.

The report also flagged lack of coordination with Sevayats and the temple administration, inadequate communication of delays in rituals, and failure to control the swelling crowd. Allowing a vehicle carrying chariot ropes to pass through the densely packed area reportedly triggered the stampede.

Serious deficiencies were also exposed in ICCC operations. Of the 275 CCTV cameras installed, only 123-232 feeds were functional, many were misaligned, and AI-based crowd density and facial recognition systems did not perform as required. Drones, though available, were not effectively used for real-time monitoring.

The government has decided to blacklist M/s Invent Grid India Pvt Ltd, the ICCC vendor, for failing to deliver the mandated services. Disciplinary action has also been recommended against Commandant Sarada Prasad Dash, who oversaw the ICCC, for failing to alert authorities despite visible crowd congestion on live feeds.

The DGP has been directed to submit an action-taken report to the Home Department. Shortly after the incident, the Puri SP had been transferred as an immediate administrative measure.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Shocking that 275 CCTV cameras were installed but only half were working properly. What's the point of spending crores on technology if it fails when needed most? The vendor blacklisting was necessary.
A
Arjun K
While action against negligent officers is good, we need systemic changes. Rath Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Why don't we have permanent crowd management protocols in place? This is basic administration.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visits Puri regularly, I've noticed poor coordination between police and temple authorities. The report mentions lack of communication about ritual delays - this is crucial information for crowd management.
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Vikram M
Three lives lost due to sheer negligence. The officers who were absent should face criminal charges, not just departmental action. Families deserve justice. 😔
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the government action is welcome, it feels like too little too late. The probe took months and we're only seeing action now. What about preventive measures for next year's Rath Yatra?
A
Ananya R
The fact that drones were available but not used properly shows complete lack of planning. In this age of technology, we're still failing at basic crowd monitoring. Very disappointing.

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