NEW DELHI: The memory of Maha Kumbh stampede had not even faded when another one at the New Delhi Railway Station left the devotees mourning again. Shoes, slippers, clothes, and memories were left behind for the kin of 18 who got killed in the incident that took place on Saturday night.
Among those killed, 14 are women and three are children. The back-to-back stampede due to “unexpected” surge in crowd, first at Maha Kumbh Triveni Sangam and then at the station has raised serious concerns over the administration’s preparedness to handle large public despite repeated criticism from the opposition.
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In the aftermath of the stampede and rescue efforts at the station, visuals revealed scattered belongings—including clothes, shoes, water bottles, and bags—strewn across the premises. Staff was deployed to collect and dispose of them.
Pintu Sharma, a relative of victim Pinky Devi, criticized the station authorities for their handling of the situation. “They had confirmed tickets. Around 14 to 15 people were going to Maha Kumbh. When they reached the station, a stampede happened. The train line was changed which caused the stampede. The force also arrived very late…. It has happened because of the negligence of the station authority,” he said.
Balram, a porter, described the harrowing scene, saying, “We carried dead bodies on handcarts, the same ones we use for luggage. In my 15 years as a porter, I have never seen such a massive crowd.”
“People’s shoes, slippers, and other belongings were scattered everywhere. We pulled out many children and elderly individuals from the chaos,” he said.
Officials attributed the stampede to an overwhelming rush of passengers on platforms 14 and 15, eager to board trains to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
“This incident once again highlights the failure of the Railways and the insensitivity of the government. Better arrangements should have been made at the station in view of the large number of devotees going to Prayagraj,” leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.
The Railways has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.