Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has recommended action against Ashok Kumar Behera, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Puri, for lapses that led to a stampede near Gundicha temple during the Rath Yatra in Puri on June 29, 2025.
According to an official communication, the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, P & C Department, conducted an inquiry into the incident and submitted a report with recommendations. The government has approved action against Behera for negligence and lapses in duty.
The Home Department has written to the Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment Department to initiate action.
The government has directed the concerned authorities to take immediate and appropriate action against Behera and submit an action taken report.
The Home department said the officials deployed in the control room were not even aware of the stampede and came to know about it only when their duty ended and they reached home at about 6 am on June 29.
So far, the government has directed concerned authorities to initiate disciplinary proceedings against five officials, including three executive magistrates, ACF Behera and Puri district social security officer.
