New Delhi (India): BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Monday hit back at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for his comments regarding the recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed 18 lives and left several others injured. Khandelwal accused opposition leaders, including Yadav, of turning sensitive matters into political issues.
Speaking to media, Khandelwal said, “Tejashwi Yadav or other opposition leaders are now looking for politics in every issue. They do not shy away from doing politics even in sensitive matters… people are still continuously going there (Mahakumbh)… so if Tejashwi Yadav or anyone else is giving a statement, then their statement does not matter in view of arrangements.”
The BJP MP also assured that those responsible for the New Delhi stampede would face justice. “Certainly, the incident that happened at the railway station is unfortunate. The Railway Ministry has formed an inquiry committee, whose report will also come out soon… Whoever is found guilty will not be spared under any circumstances,” Khandelwal added.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Criticism of Government’s Handling
Yadav had previously blasted the government for failing to make adequate arrangements at the station, leading to the deadly stampede. He expressed concern over the continuous loss of life, accusing the government of not showing any concern for the safety of the public.
Speaking in Patna, Yadav said, “The government has made no arrangements… poor people are being killed continuously. There have been deaths from station to ghat. The whole country and Bihar want to know who is responsible for these deaths. Who is guilty?” He further claimed that most victims were from Bihar and criticized the government for focusing only on public relations efforts rather than ensuring the well-being of citizens.
Details of the Stampede Incident
The tragic incident occurred around 10 pm on February 15, as thousands of devotees were gathered at the New Delhi Railway Station to board trains for Prayagraj Mahakumbh. The overcrowding at platforms, particularly platform no. 14, led to the stampede. Delays in train departures further exacerbated the situation, causing more congestion.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, confirmed that the stampede was triggered by large crowds congregating at platform no. 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, stating that the crowd came from both directions after an announcement regarding a platform change, leading to a stampede that quickly spiraled out of control.
Railways Launch Investigation and Compensation Announced
In the aftermath of the incident, the Indian Railways formed a two-member committee to investigate the cause of the stampede. The committee comprises Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Safety Commissioner of Northern Railway.
The Indian Railways announced compensation for the victims: Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed his grief over the incident, announcing an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the victims from Bihar and Rs 50,000 for the injured.