A musical evening featuring Shreya Ghoshal at the historic Baliyatra grounds in Cuttack turned chaotic on Wednesday after an uncontrolled crowd surge near the stage barricades left two spectators unconscious. The popular Bollywood playback singer was set to perform as part of the Baliyatra festival when the crowd, eager to get closer to the stage, reportedly became restless.
Fans push forward, panic breaks out
According to eyewitnesses, the situation began spiralling even before the concert started, as fans jostled to find better spots. The rush intensified once Ghoshal appeared on stage, resulting in a stampede-like situation. Amid the commotion, two people fainted — one of them a woman — and were immediately attended to by medical personnel. They were first treated at an on-site first aid centre and later shifted to a local hospital for observation.
Police rush in to manage situation
Security personnel stationed at the venue quickly intervened, but the sheer size of the crowd made it difficult to contain the surge. Senior officials, including the Additional Commissioner of Police, arrived shortly after to assess the situation. Reports suggest that the police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to disperse sections of the crowd and restore order.
No major injuries reported
While no fatalities or serious injuries have been confirmed, several people were seen fainting due to suffocation and panic. The concert resumed after a brief interruption, though authorities have since faced criticism for inadequate crowd control and poor barricading at such a large-scale public gathering.
The Baliyatra legacy
The Baliyatra festival, which ran from November 5 to 13 this year, commemorates Odisha’s glorious maritime history and the ancient tradition of “Boita Bandana.” The event draws millions each year with its mix of cultural showcases, trade fairs, and celebrity performances — with Shreya Ghoshal’s concert being among the most anticipated highlights.
