Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has deputed three ministers to Odisha’s Puri town to oversee the remaining rituals of Lord Jagannath’s annual Rath Jatra.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj will remain present at Puri till the completion of Niladri Bije ritual, which marks the conclusion of Rath Jatra.

The Chief Minister deputed the three ministers to Puri in the wake of a mishap that took place during the Adapa Mandap Bije ritual of the Srimandir deities on July 9.

“The Chief Minister has asked the three ministers to remain present at Puri and oversee the smooth organisation of the remaining rituals of Lord Jagannath’s annual Rath Jatra. The ministers have been told to ensure proper arrangements for the devotees,” said the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in a statement today.

Notably, the idol of Lord Balabhadra slipped on the makeshift ladder (Charamala) while being taken to the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple from Taladhwaja chariot through Pahandi procession on July 9.

At least five servitors of Srimandir were injured in the mishap. The incident triggered a lot of hue and cry in the state.