The June 28 marked the somber anniversary of the tragic Ulto Rath incident in Tripura, which claimed ten lives and left an indelible scar on the community. On June 28, 2023, the ISKCON authorities organized the Jagannath Dev’s Ulto Rath in Kumarghat, Unakoti district of Tripura. Thousands of devotees gathered to participate in the sacred event, pulling the chariot’s rope in a display of devotion. However, the day’s festivities took a devastating turn.

As the massive iron-made chariot made its way through the town, its peak came into contact with a high-voltage 33kV power line above the national highway at Kumarghat’s Block Choumuhani.

In an instant, the chariot caught fire. Devotees touching the chariot and those nearby were electrocuted.

Six people, including two children, died on the spot, burned and electrocuted. Several others were injured, and four more succumbed to their injuries in hospitals across the state and beyond.

The joy of the Rath Yatra turned into sorrow, and the cries of those who lost their loved ones filled the air.

The horrifying event of the Kumarghat Ulto Rath shook not just Tripura but the entire world. Following the incident, the Kumarghat police initiated a suo motu case, filing a charge sheet against nine individuals from the ISKCON authorities and the Rath management committee.

A year has passed since that cursed day, yet no verdict has been reached, and the accused continue to roam free.

Media persons reached out to those who lost their loved ones to understand their current condition.

One Rintu Malakar, who lost his wife and child, accused the ISKCON authorities of deceiving people under the guise of religion. He claimed that the ISKCON authorities exploited the Rath Yatra for financial gain, leading to the suffering of many families. He demanded the harshest punishment for those responsible.

Allegations against the ISKCON authorities included conducting the Rath Yatra violating scriptures by using iron instead of neem wood for the chariot.

Additionally, it was alleged that they changed the route by bypassing police restrictions, pushing forward despite clear dangers. A grandmother who lost her daughter-in-law and four-year-old granddaughter shared her anguish.

Another granddaughter lost the ability to walk normally due to the electric shock, and one of her hands had to be amputated. Despite promises from the government and ISKCON authorities to take care of her future, no action has been taken a year later.

She expressed anger towards ISKCON and even threatened to take matters into her own hands if another Rath Yatra was held this year.

In response to the incident, the state government formed an investigation committee. However, dissatisfaction with the committee’s report led the Chief Minister to order another investigation.

The tragic Rath Yatra not only claimed lives but also revealed allegations of corruption, with some organizers allegedly profiting from the event.

As the Jagannath Rath Yatra approaches again, those who witnessed that black day and those who lost their loved ones are voicing strong objections against holding the Rath Yatra in Kumarghat this year.

The question remains: will the main accused be punished? This is the question haunting those who lost their loved ones, as they seek justice and closure for their unimaginable loss.