The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has announced a financial aid of ₹10 lakh for the families of two devotees who died after falling ill during the Puri Rath Yatra on July 16.

This ex gratia payment will be given to the next of kin of Anil Das, who hailed from Cuttack, and Ashok Subare Raikar from Mumbai. As stated by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), both individuals fell ill during the renowned chariot festival and passed away while receiving treatment in Puri.

Expressing his sorrow over the unfortunate deaths, the Chief Minister extended his condolences to the grieving families, assuring them that the state government would provide support during this challenging time through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

The announcement was shared via an official post on the CMO’s X account, confirming that the ₹10 lakh compensation would be allocated to the closest relatives of each deceased devotee. The government emphasized that this aid is a gesture of solidarity for families facing the loss of their loved ones.

The tragic incidents occurred during the widely attended Rath Yatra, one of the largest religious events in Odisha, attracting millions of devotees from across India and beyond each year. This year’s festival took place in Puri on July 16, with extensive administrative and security measures in place.

The state government’s prompt action follows shortly after the incident, highlighting its commitment to addressing the fatalities associated with the pilgrimage. While both devotees succumbed after receiving medical care in Puri, the compensation aims to offer immediate financial support to their families.