President of India Condoles the Loss of Lives in Stampede During Rath Yatra in Puri

The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoledthe loss of lives in a stampede during the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha yesterday (July 18, 2015).

In his message to Dr. S.C. Jamir, the Governor of Odisha, the President has said "I am saddened to learn about the stampede like situation during the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, where some devotees lost their lives and others were injured.

I call upon State Government and other agencies to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured. I am sure the State Government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to ensure law and order as well as facilitate participation by devotees in the Rath Yatra and darshan of Lord Jagannath in a peaceful manner.

Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons.”

This release issued at 1815 hrs.