Shreya Ghoshal’s Cuttack show causes crowd confusion, two attendees taken to hospital

A night meant for music and celebration turned tense at Cuttack’s Bali Jatra festival on Thursday when Shreya Ghoshal’s live concert drew an unexpectedly massive crowd. The final day of the annual event saw thousands of visitors rushing towards the stage, creating a chaotic scene that left at least two people unconscious.

According to witnesses, the trouble began when attendees tried to move closer to the stage as the singer performed. The heavy push against barricades led to confusion and suffocation among sections of the crowd. Some people collapsed as others tried to step back amid the growing commotion.

Security teams and police personnel were quick to intervene and control the situation. The unconscious individuals were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Thankfully, no major injuries or fatalities were reported.

Senior police officials, including Commissioner S Devdutt Singh, arrived at the venue to assess the situation and oversee the dispersal of the crowd. Addressing the incident, Singh clarified that reports of a “stampede” were exaggerated. “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,” he said.

Despite his clarification, videos from the event circulating online show people struggling to breathe in the packed venue, while others can be seen being escorted out by security personnel.

The annual Bali Jatra, held on the banks of the Mahanadi River, is one of Odisha’s most celebrated cultural fairs. The concluding day usually draws massive footfall, but this year’s surge during Shreya Ghoshal’s concert appears to have caught organisers off guard.

Authorities have since reinforced crowd management measures at the venue to prevent further mishaps as the festival wound down. The incident has once again raised questions about safety preparedness at large public gatherings, especially when top artists perform before huge audiences.