Puri Rath Yatra Toll Rises to 3 as Devotee Dies of Suffocation While Pulling Chariot

PURI (Odisha): A 57-year-old devotee from Cuttack allegedly died of suffocation while pulling Goddess Subhadra’s ‘Darpadalan’ chariot during the Bahuda Yatra in Puri on Friday, taking the Rath Yatra death toll to three. The deceased, identified as Abhiram Das, collapsed near Bagala Dharmasala and died during treatment at Puri District Hospital.

Health officials said he had hypertension and was under medication, while around 100 devotees sought treatment for uneasiness due to the hot and humid weather, with seven remaining hospitalised in stable condition.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the deceased’s family. Meanwhile, the Opposition BJD demanded a judicial probe into the alleged mismanagement of the festival, claiming over 100 devotees were injured during the Bahuda Yatra and accusing the state government of administrative failure.