Rath Yatra: 3-Member Panel To Probe Pahandi Mishap

Puri, July 10: Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb Wednesday expressed concern over yesterday's mishap in Taladwaj Rath and ordered a probe into the mishap.

The Gajapati Maharaja said over-crowd of servitors atop the Rath might have caused the mishap.

A three-member committee comprising the Development Administrator, Additional District Magistrate, and Deputy Superintendent of Police will conduct a probe to find out the exact reason behind the incident, said Shree Jagannath Temple Administrator Vir Vikram Yadav.

The committee will inspect footage of drone and CCTV Cameras during the probe and submit its report within 10 days of the upcoming Niladri Bije, said Yadav.

Gajapati Maharaja presided over a meeting of the Shreemandir Management Committee attended by Yadav and other members.

The issue of Ratna Bhandar's opening was also discussed. The committee assented to the July 14 date proposed by the Ratna Bhandar Supervisory Committee headed by High Court's former judge Justice Biswanath Rath. However, the committee added some more suggestions to the Standard Operating Procedure set by the panel.

"The final SOP will be presented to the State government for final approval. The Ratna Bhandar will be opened on government's approval," said Yadav.