In a significant development, another official faces action over the stampede during Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri

As per reports, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Puri, for alleged negligence while on duty at the district control room during the festival. The Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change has begun the process and directed the officer to submit his response within 30 days.

According to reports, on the day of the incident, ACF Ashok Kumar Behera and some police officials were assigned duties near Gundicha Temple, with specific responsibilities at the district control room to coordinate with the police for crowd management. The negligence came to light after it was highlighted in the report submitted by Anu G

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