Bhubaneswar: A devotee reportedly died during the Rath Jatra of Lord Jagannath at Odisha’s Puri town today.

The deceased has been identified as Lalit Bagarti of Saintala block in Balangir district.

Bagarti reportedly fell unconscious during the pulling of Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra at the Holy Town.

He was immediately rushed to Puri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). However, Bagarti was declared dead on arrival by the doctors.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased person.

In a related incident, over a hundred devotees reportedly sustained injuries in a stampede-like situation during the pulling of Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath at the Holy Town.

Besides, at least 300 people were admitted to the Puri DHH after they felt uneasiness due to heavy rush on the Grand Road.

The Chief Minister has asked the Health Department to provide free treatment to the injured persons.