Nitish Announces Ex Gratia For Bihar Victims In Delhi Station Stampede, Lalu Says 'Faltu Hai Kumbh'

At least 18 people, including 14 women and four minors, were killed and over a dozen others were injured in the stampede that broke out at the crowded New Delhi railway station.

File photos of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Source : PTI

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased hailing from Bihar as he expressed grief over the loss of lives in the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night. Former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav blamed the railway's mismangement for the deaths of the people, calling Maha Kumbh "faltu".

At least 18 people, including 14 women and four minors, were killed and over a dozen others were injured in the stampede that broke out at the crowded railway station.

Officials told news agency PTI that details on on the exact number of people from the eastern state who died in the stampede and the ones injured were awaited.

"The CM has expressed condolences over the casualties in the stampede at the New Delhi railway station. He is deeply saddened by the deaths of Bihar natives in the incident, and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the immediate family members of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 for those who are injured," a statement issued by the CMO said.

Earlier today, the Indian Railways had also announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the victims' families. The seriously injured will be given Rs 2.5 lakh and those who have suffered minor injuries will be given Rs 1 lakh.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed condolences after the tragic incident and remarked that the "inadequate arrangements" by the central government had been exposed. He even suggested that the railway minister should resign.

In a post on X, Choudhary said, "The incident at New Delhi railway station is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed souls and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Lalu Yadav Blames Railway Mismanagement, Says 'Faltu Hai Kumbh'

Meanwhile, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad targeted the BJP-led government at the Centre over the stampede at the Delhi station, and demanded that railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw take resoonsibility of the deadly incident. He blamed the railway's mismanagement for the stampede.

Former Union Railway Minister and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said: "The incident is very unfortunate and I offer my condolences to the victims. This is a mismanagement by the Railway that led to the loss of so many lives... The Railway Minister should take responsibility."

When asked to comment on the massive influx of devotees at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Lalu said: "Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faaltu hai kumbh' (Kumbh has no meaning. Kumbh is useless)."

#WATCH | Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station | Patna, Bihar: Former Union Railway Minister and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav says, "The incident is very unfortunate and I offer my condolences to the victims. This is a mismanagement by the Railway that led to the loss of so many… pic.twitter.com/83icLBvtSm

— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2025

The stampede took place amid a rush of passengers at the station on platform number 14 and 15 of the station. The passengers were waiting to board trains for Prayagraj where the Maha Kumbh is underway. A probe has been launched and the Delhi Police is examining the CCTV footage from the stampede site.