Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 29 (ANI): Biju Janata Dal chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday extended his condolences to the victims of the 'devastating incident' that took place early this morning during the Jagannath Rath Yatra near the Gundicha Temple in Puri.

Talking to 'X', Patnaik prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the stampede.

'I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, Puri and I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident', Patnaik said.

Hitting out at the Odisha Government, the former Odisha Chief Minister termed it as a 'abysmal failure' of the crowd management system during the Rath Yatra. He stated that the incident has 'exposed' the government's 'glaring incompetence' in ensuring a peaceful festival for the devotees.

'Today's stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the Rath Yatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government's glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees', Patnaik's X post said.

The BJD chief said that the eyewitnesses reported that the initial response for the stampede came from the relatives of the victims whereas there was no government 'machinery' present to manage the 'surging' crowd.

'Eyewitnesses report that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the devotees' relatives, with no government machinery present to manage the surging crowds, highlighting a shocking lapse in duty', he said.

Furthermore, the BJD leader asserted that delay in pulling of Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was attributed as a shocking 'excuse' which masks the administration's complete abdication of responsibility.

'The inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was conveniently attributed to 'Mahaprabhu's wish', a shocking excuse that masks the administration's complete abdication of responsibility', Patnaik's X post read.

The BJD chief stated that 'blatant callousness' has undeniably contributed to the tragedy.

'While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy. I urge the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key Rath Yatra rituals', Patnaik said.

Odisha law minister Prithviraj Harichandan earlier today told ANI that three people died and at least six people sustained injuries near the Gundicha Temple during the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri.

Speaking to ANI over the phone, Odisha Minister said, 'It is an unfortunate incident. We are taking note of that. I spoke with the CM this morning. We are taking stringent action. DGP has been sent to the spot.'Three people have passed away because of suffocation in the huge gathering. Six to seven people are injured. I am moving to Puri. I am monitoring the situation over the phone. We are trying our best to manage the crowd. Additional police have been deployed. The reasons for the incident are being investigated,' Harichandan said.

'The situation is now under control and the people are having darshan...', he said.

Meanwhile, Odisha DGP YB Khurania has reached the Gudicha Temple to assess the situation. (ANI)