Investigation Underway: Two-Member Team Reviews New Delhi Stampede Site and CCTV Evidence

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two-member committee formed to investigate stampede.
- Site inspection and witness interviews conducted.
- CCTV footage secured from impacted platforms.
- Investigation into possible rumor-related triggers.
- Railways announced compensation for victims' families.
New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) A two-member committee formed to investigate the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station conducted an on-site examination, interviewed witnesses, and collected CCTV footage on Sunday.
The committee, which includes Narsingh Deo, PCCM/Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, PCSC Northern Railway, has ensured the retrieval of video recordings from platforms 14 and 15, where a large crowd of travelers had congregated, eager to board trains to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
On the same day, the investigative panel also visited the site of the incident and initiated the process of gathering statements from witnesses to align their accounts with the CCTV footage related to the tragedy that resulted in the loss of 18 lives and left many others injured on Saturday night.
According to sources, the committee is also tasked with examining whether the incident was sparked by false rumors, which led waiting passengers to shift between the two platforms, culminating in a crush on the staircase of platform 14.
This unfortunate event arises as numerous railway stations across north and east India struggle to manage the influx of crowds heading to the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The stampede was precipitated by a significant rise in the number of passengers attempting to board weekend evening trains to the sacred city, leading to overcrowding and disorder.
DCP Railway K.P.S. Malhotra attributed the cause of the incident to a spike in passenger numbers coinciding with delays of two trains.
Previously, the Railways had asserted that special trains were being operated to manage the sudden influx at New Delhi Railway Station. Four special trains were dispatched to alleviate the extraordinary surge.
In related news, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav expressed his sorrow regarding the stampede's fatalities at New Delhi Railway Station.
He stated, “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. The entire team is working to assist all those who have been affected by this tragic incident.”
The Railways has declared compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for individuals who sustained minor injuries in the stampede.