Bhubaneswar, July 5: Holding the Naveen Patnaik government responsible for the death of six pilgrims in stampede during Friday's Rath Yatra at Puri, Opposition parties on Saturday demanded filing of criminal cases against the Chief Minister and senior officials for the tragedy.

"The incident took place due to government's failure and incompetence. Criminal cases should be filed against the Chief Minister and all top administrative and police officers for laxity in arrangements during the festival," state NCP President Bijay Mohapatra told reporters. Referring to grant of ex-gratia for families of the deceased, he said: "The state ex-chequer should not be taxed for government's incompetence. Compensation should be paid from the salaries and personal resources of the Chief Minister and officials concerned."

Pointing that the entire police force was busy protecting the VIPs and ensuring their comfort, Mohapatra said a large number of passes was issued to RSS activists and others for entry into the cordoned area. Lashing out at the government for the tragedy, another NCP leader, Anadi Sahu demanded immediate resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and suspension of Puri district collector and Superintendent of Police. Voicing similar views, Congress stalwart and leader of Opposition J B Patnaik said "the Chief Minister should feel ashamed and apologise to the people for the ghastly failure of the administration." He wondered as to how the incident could occur with securitymen present under the nose of Chief Minister and high officials.