The Odisha government has initiated departmental action against Ashok Kumar Behera, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Puri, for alleged negligence during the Rath Yatra stampede incident near Gundicha Temple on June 29, 2025.

According to official communication from the Home (Special Section) Department, Behera was in charge of the control room on the day of the incident. The Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Planning & Coordination Department, conducted an inquiry into the lapses and submitted a detailed report. Based on the findings, the government directed immediate action against Behera and instructed him to submit his explanation within 30 days.

The inquiry report also recommended action against four other officials, including one Assistant Collector and

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