Euphoria turns to chaos: Crowd surge at Shreya Ghoshal’s Bali Yatra concert in Cuttack

Cuttack: The concluding day of the annual Bali Yatra celebrations 2025 in Cuttack witnessed both euphoria and chaos as Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal captivated thousands of fans with her live performance on Thursday evening.

The much-anticipated concert drew an overwhelming crowd, with thousands gathering near the main stage to catch a glimpse of the celebrated singer. However, the festive mood turned tense when the massive turnout led to a stampede-like situation, leaving at least two people unconscious.

According to eyewitnesses, the crowd began surging toward the barricades as attendees attempted to move closer to the stage. The sudden push caused panic and confusion, with several individuals collapsing due to suffocation and exhaustion.

Authorities struggled to maintain order as the situation escalated. In an attempt to control the crowd, police resorted to a mild lathi-charge after a few people tried to break through the barricades near the main pandal. Swift intervention by security and police personnel eventually helped restore calm.

The two unconscious individuals were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, officials confirmed that no major casualties or serious injuries had been reported.

Senior officials, including the Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP), reached the venue to oversee crowd dispersal and ensure the safety of the remaining visitors.

Despite the brief chaos, Shreya Ghoshal’s performance remained the highlight of the evening, marking a memorable—if turbulent—end to this year’s Bali Yatra celebrations in Cuttack.