Delhi BJP Cancels Engagements Following Railway Station Tragedy

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Delhi BJP Cancels Engagements Following Railway Station Tragedy

Synopsis

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva suspended his engagements to support victims of the railway stampede, extending condolences and assistance. The Railways has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured as investigations continue into the tragic event.

Key Takeaways

  • Delhi BJP President cancels engagements
  • Support extended to victims and families
  • Compensation announced by Railways
  • Investigation committee formed
  • Focus on public safety measures

New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva announced the cancellation of his planned activities for the day to extend his support to the victims of the railway stampede and their families. A party representative confirmed that BJP MPs and prominent leaders also paused their engagements, including worker meetings and public events of gratitude.

Previously, Sachdeva visited the New Delhi Railway Station and LNJP Hospital, where he interacted with the injured individuals while they were boarding the train, as reported by a Delhi BJP spokesperson.

According to the spokesperson, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has reached out to medical professionals and officials to provide necessary guidance.

Sachdeva added that the Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government has dispatched a substantial medical team to various hospitals, while the Railways has organized three special trains destined for Prayagraj.

On Sunday, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora convened a meeting at the DCP Railways office located at the New Delhi Railway Station.

During the meeting, officials examined the shortcomings in the public address system at the railway station. Special Commissioners Robin Hibu and Ravindra Yadav were also present.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence that morning.

The Railways has declared compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those with serious injuries, and Rs 1 lakh for passengers with minor injuries resulting from the stampede.

Meanwhile, a two-member committee established to investigate the stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station has visited the site, interviewed witnesses, and gathered CCTV footage.

The committee, which includes Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM) of Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner (PCSC) of Northern Railway, has ordered the collection of video footage from platforms 14 and 15, where a large gathering of passengers had formed, intending to board trains to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.

On Sunday, the investigative panel also examined the site of the tragedy and began gathering witness statements to align with the CCTV footage of the incident that resulted in 18 fatalities and numerous injuries on Saturday night.