Balasore: A tragic incident marred the ongoing Chadaka Mela at Chandaneswar in Balasore district as a devotee reportedly died after accidentally falling into Nilapokhari (a pond) near the temple on Thursday.
The incident occurred on the fourth day of the annual religious fair, which draws thousands of pilgrims from across Odisha and neighboring West Bengal.
According to preliminary reports, the deceased has been identified as Sumanta Jena, a resident of West Bengal. After the mishap, Jena’s body was recovered from the pond and transported to a hospital in West Bengal for further procedures.
Eyewitnesses and locals have alleged administrative negligence, claiming that poor crowd management and lack of safety measures contributed to the incident. With large crowds gathering daily for rituals and festivities, concerns over the lack of preventive arrangements have been mounting.
The administration has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, but the tragedy has cast a shadow over the ongoing celebrations, prompting calls for immediate safety reviews and better crowd control.
The Chadaka Mela at Chandaneswar, a centuries-old tradition, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the region, witnessing heavy footfall particularly during the final days leading to the culmination of the festival.
