Synopsis
Recent developments surrounding the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15 have led to the removal of the Divisional Railway Manager. The tragedy resulted in 18 fatalities and has prompted a government investigation and compensation for affected families.Key Takeaways
- 18 fatalities occurred due to the stampede.
- Compensation announced for victims' families.
- A two-member committee has been formed to investigate.
- The incident was exacerbated by crowd surges.
- Railway Minister expressed condolences for the victims.
New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) Actions have begun following the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station last month, as the government has decided to replace the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Delhi, an official reported on Tuesday.
The incident on February 15 was caused by a massive influx of passengers waiting to board trains to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, leading to 18 fatalities on platforms 14 and 15.
The Railways has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives, Rs 2.5 lakh for seriously injured individuals, and Rs 1 lakh for those who sustained minor injuries during the stampede.
In response, the Railway Ministry set up a two-member committee to investigate the deadly event.
This investigative panel, which includes Narsingh Deo, PCCM/Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, PCSC Northern Railway, has ordered the preservation of video footage from platforms 14 and 15 where the incident occurred.
The committee also visited the site of the tragedy and gathered statements from witnesses to compare with the CCTV recordings.
According to sources, the committee is also tasked with examining whether rumors may have instigated the incident, leading waiting passengers to move between platforms, consequently crushing individuals on a staircase on platform 14.
This incident occurred during a time when numerous railway stations in northern and eastern India were struggling to manage crowds heading to the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The stampede was exacerbated by a sudden rise in the number of passengers trying to board the weekend evening trains to the holy city, which resulted in overcrowding and chaos.
DCP Railway K.P.S. Malhotra identified the primary cause of the stampede as a surge in passengers due to delays in two trains.
Previously, the Railways had announced that special trains were being operated to accommodate the unexpected rush at New Delhi Railway Station. Four special trains were deployed to manage the overwhelming number of passengers.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav expressed his sorrow regarding the fatalities from the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.
He remarked, “I am profoundly saddened by the unfortunate stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. The entire team is working diligently to support all those affected by this tragic occurrence.”
