Bhubaneswar: A 57-year-old devotee from Cuttack died after falling ill while pulling the chariot of Devi Subhadra during the Bahuda Yatra in Puri on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Abhiram Das of Cuttack. He reportedly felt breathless and fainted amid the massive crowd while pulling the ‘Darpadalan’ chariot of Devi Subhadra.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital by fellow devotees and RPF personnel. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival. Police said Abhiram Das suffered suffocation due to the heavy rush on the Bada Danda. His body has been kept for post-mortem and family members have been informed.
Some others also fell sick and were hospitalised. They are undergoing treatment.
This is the third death reported during this year’s Rath Yatra.
Earlier, on Sri Gundicha Day, two devotees had also died due to suffocation while pulling the chariots. Authorities have urged devotees to stay hydrated and seek medical help immediately if they feel unwell amid the heavy crowd during the festivities.
