Ratha Jatra mishap: Devotee crushed to death under chariot in Odisha

Kendrapara: A person died during Ratha Jatra after a chariot ran over him in Pattamundai of Odisha’s Kendrapara district yesterday. The deceased has been identified as Nirakar Jena of Alava village.

According to reports, on the occasion of Bahuda Jatra, the pulling of chariot of Patitapabana temple deities started around 3.30 pm from Mausi Maa temple at Baktarpur to Pokhariapada. The chariot reached its destination around 6.30 pm.

While the chariot was being taken inside Patitapabana temple premises, Jena, who was pulling the chariot with others, fell down following which it ran over his neck leading to his death on the spot.

On being informed, police reached the spot and seized the body. Following the mishap, Mahasnana rituals of the deities were held atop the chariot.