1 dead, several injured

The Rath Yatra celebrations were somewhat marred by the death of a devotee and eight people falling ill due to suffocation while pulling the chariots on Sunday evening, officials said.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, identified as Lalit Bagarti of Balangir district, and expressed his condolences.

He also instructed the officials concerned to ensure the best available medical care for the injured devotees.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said he himself was monitoring the situation in Puri.

A few people, including a policeman, were also injured in a stampede-like situation while pulling Lord Balabhadra's chariot, officials said.

The injured persons were sent to the hospital, they said.