Bhubaneswar: Following the fatal stampede on Gopinathpur – Badamba T-Bridge during Makar Mela on Saturday, the Cuttack district administration has clamped Section 144 around Singhanathdev shrine for two days.
Baramba Executive Magistrate said, “In anticipation of a breach of peace and law and order situation, Section 144 has been imposed in the temple to prevent the public from entering the T-bridge (to the entrance of the temple) as well as in and around the premises of the temple.”
“The restrictions will come into effect from today till January 16 to maintain law and order situations,” he said.
A woman, identified as Anjana Swain (45) of Dampada – Banki was killed in the mishap and 20 others were injured. The incident occurred when thousands of devotees thronged the 7th Century shrine in Baramba on Saturday.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased. The district administration said the congregation was massive as people were visiting the temple after a gap of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
