celebrations. The event attracts lakhs of pilgrims from across India.

Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain said that the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, and the condition of six of them remains critical.

The deceased have been identified as Basanti Sahu from Bolagarh, and Premakant Mohanty and Pravati Das from Balipatna. Their bodies have been sent for post-mortem. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.This stampede follows a health emergency on Saturday, when nearly 750 devotees had to be taken to hospitals due to exhaustion and pressure from the dense crowd.

According to health officials, more than 230 people were admitted to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), while about 520 others were treated at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). Most were discharged after receiving first aid.One devotee in a critical condition was transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for further care. At least 12 other patients are still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).Officials are keeping a close watch on the situation. The administration has asked devotees to stay cautious and cooperate with the authorities during the ongoing Rath Yatra.

Inputs from TOI