Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 29 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party leader Baijayant Panda on Sunday expressed grief over the Puri stampede and mourned the death of devotees in the incident.

Condoling on the incident, Baijayant Panda said that it is a 'sad thing' as 10 to 15 lakh devotees gather for the Rath Yatra. He mentioned that the incident happened despite taking all the precautions.

'This is a sad thing. 10-15 lakh people gather for Rath Yatra, which is a huge crowd. This has happened after taking all precautions. All steps are being taken. I express my condolences', Baijayant Panda told ANI.

Earlier, the BJP leader shared a post on his official 'X' handle following the Puri stampede. Baijayant Panda expressed his sadness over the incident and prayed for the family members of the victims that they get the 'patience and courage' to bear the pain for their loss.

'Hearing the news of devotees being injured and killed in a stampede near the Puri Shri Gundicha Temple this morning, I am deeply saddened and heartbroken. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and extend my condolences to the grieving families. In this time of sorrow, may Lord Shri Jagannath grant them patience and courage', the 'X' post read.

Earlier, 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.

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)