Bhubaneswar: Gajapati King Dibyasingha Deb, the first and foremost servitor of Lord Jagannath, has appealed to the Odisha government for a prompt and comprehensive enquiry into the stampede near Srigundicha temple at Puri.

At least three devotees were killed and several others were injured in the stampede that took place in the early hours of today.

The stampede occurred when thousands of people congregated at Saradhabali near Srigundicha temple to have a glimpse of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on their respective chariots.  

The Gajapati King, who is the chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, has also appealed to the state government to take proper and immediate steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The Puri King also expressed grief over the unfortunate incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.

“Shree Gajapati Maharaj is shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the stampede last night near Srigundicha temple in which three devotees lost their lives and many others were injured,” said Deb’s office in a statement.

The Gajapati King has offered prayers at the Lotus Feet of the Lord for Sadgati (peaceful resting) of the departed souls, it added.