As
many as 9 people died in village Kareela, in Ashok Nagar district
on the occasion of Rangpanchmi. Around 15 people received
injuries in this stampede, some of them are reported to be
serious. Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced
to give Rs 1 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 20,000
to each of the injured. But question arises that this is not
first incident of its kind when the people died in stampede.
The failure of the district administration to provide proper
safety arrangements during fairs is deplorable. Earlier, several
devotees had received serious injuries and died when they
gathered at Baba's ashram in Jabalpur. Dharaji incident was
also an example of administrative negligence. Lakhs of devotees
gather every year in Kareela on this occasion. Prior administrative
arrangements should have been made to overcome confusion resulting
from rumours. Earlier, there was a rumour of opening of fire
by someone whereas in truth it was sound of breaking of a
railing. Whenever there is confusion in a crowded place it
leads to stampede. Such incidents often take place in different
parts of the country. Fairs are an annual event in villages.
Only administrative formalities are completed on such occasions.
Whereas, proper arrangements are necessary to control the
situation going out of hand. The district administration and
police should remain alert whenever fairs and other programmes
are held which draw big crowds. Meanwhile, the government
should take action against the staff who failed in their duty
towards the society.
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