A tragic stampede near Puri’s Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra festival led to three deaths and over 50 injuries, highlighting significant lapses in crowd management. The incident, marked by unauthorized vehicle access and inadequate safety measures, has sparked widespread criticism and a government-led investigation. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion, with emergency responses falling short of expectations. The former Chief Minister, Patnaik, criticized the administration for its failure to ensure public safety during such a major event. This disaster underscores the urgent need for improved planning and management of large-scale religious gatherings to prevent future tragedies. The government’s swift action in suspending two senior police officers and transferring top officials reflects the seriousness of the situation and the demand for accountability. As investigations continue, there is a growing call for reforms in handling massive crowds to safeguard attendees at future festivals.