On Thursday evening, a wild situation developed at the annual Bali Jatra in Cuttack when an overwhelming audience rushed to the stage during Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal`s live performance. The surge resulted in mayhem, with at least two people unconscious.
A stampede at the venue creates chaos
Thousands of people had congregated at the site for the much-anticipated event on the festival`s last day. However, crowd control efforts were ineffective as individuals rushed through barricades to get closer to the main stage. The unexpected pressure caused panic and disorientation, and some people collapsed due to asphyxia and weariness.
Security guards and police responded immediately to restore order. The two unconscious people were promptly sent to a local medical institution for treatment. No significant casualties were reported.
Senior police officers arrived at the scene to supervise the situation and ensure the crowd dispersed safely. Police Commissioner S Devdutt Singh, who was supervising the proceedings, stressed that, while there was a large throng, claims of a stampede were incorrect.
“A huge crowd had gathered in Cuttack; there were no gaps between one person and another. Those who were unable to stand in the crowd were taken out with the help of the authorities. No stampede or injuries were reported,” Singh said.
Authorities have since increased crowd management attempts to prevent further unfortunate situations during the festival`s final hours.
Shreya Ghoshal is currently judging on Indian Idol
Shreya Ghoshal is currently seated on the judging panel of Indian Idol 17. Recently, the singer was highly impressed by contestant Abhishek Kumar`s performance on O Rangrez. She shared that she wants to share this music video with Shankar Ehsaan Loy. She said, “I’m searching for the right words to describe you and your performance but truly, there are no adjectives that can do it justice,” she said. “It was a dignified and deeply moving performance. We have heard so many people singing this and we ourselves sung it so many times. O Rangrez song, composed so beautifully by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy — this song is timeless, eternal. And you delivered it with such grace and ease; it felt effortless. I’m genuinely moved. What we are doing here is not judging, but appreciating music.
Whatever we are doing here is right. You are a ray of hope.”
