Bhubaneswar, 2 July (H.S.): The Odisha Government has constituted a four-member team of senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers to assist the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary in conducting a detailed investigation into the tragic stampede incident that occurred near the Gundicha Temple in Puri on the night of June 29, during the annual Rath Yatra.

According to an official notification issued by the General Administration & Public Grievance (GA&PG) Department, the team includes Manas Ranjan Samal, OAS (SAG), Joint Director of Estates and Additional Secretary, GA&PG Department; Binaya Kumar Dash, OAS (SAG), Additional Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (presently deployed in Puri); Rashmi Ranjan Nayak, OAS (SAG), Additional Secretary, Water Resources Department; and Pradip Kumar Sahoo, OAS (SAG), Additional Secretary, Works Department (currently stationed in Puri until July 8, 2025). The officers will undertake this assignment in addition to their regular responsibilities. As per the notification, they are required to be present in the office of the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Planning & Convergence Department, for two hours daily from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM to assist in the enquiry process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda