New Delhi [India], February 16: A high-level meeting, involving senior Delhi Police officials, took place at the DCP Railways office in the national capital on Sunday to discuss the preliminary inquiry report into the tragic stampede incident at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15.
Following the incident, the Delhi Police have initiated an inquest proceeding, led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank officer. According to sources, the Police Headquarters (PHQ) provided six additional companies to control the stampede-like situation, while the Station House Officer (SHO) was instructed to set up additional barricades to prevent further chaos.
The meeting, attended by the Commissioner, Special CP Public Transport, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Railways, reviewed the inquiry report. The discussion centered around improving the station’s announcement system and potential legal action to address the shortcomings that led to the tragedy.
In parallel, Indian Railways has formed a two-member committee to investigate the incident. The committee, consisting of Narsingh Deo, Northern Railway’s Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM), and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Safety Commissioner (PCSC), has launched a High-Level Inquiry (HAG). The committee has secured all video footage from the New Delhi Railway Station as part of the investigation.
The stampede, which occurred at approximately 10 pm, was triggered by overcrowding at the station as thousands of devotees made their way to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival. The stampede claimed the lives of 18 individuals. The deceased victims include Aaha Devi (79), Pinky Devi (41), Sheela Devi (50), Vyom (25), Poonam Devi (40), Lalita Devi (35), Suruchi (11), Krishna Devi (40), Vijay Sah (15), Neeraj (12), Shanti Devi (40), Pooja Kumar (8), Sangeeta Malik and Poonam (both aged 34), Mamta Jha (40), Riya Singh (7), Baby Kumari (24), and Manoj (47).
Indian Railways has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who died in the stampede. Additionally, compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh has been allocated for those with serious injuries, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
The tragic event unfolded when a passenger lost their balance and slipped on the stairs leading to platforms 14 and 15, causing a chain reaction that resulted in multiple injuries, according to the Northern CPRO.