Vaishno Devi Stampede | Police Will Probe Incident, Take Action Against Those Involved In Scuffle: DGP

The stampede that occurred on January 1 is the first such tragedy at the Vaishno Devi shrine that attracts lakhs of people every year

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh on Sunday informed that a police probe into the stampede at the Vaishno Devi shrine will go on along with the investigation of a high-powered committee.

He said action will be taken against those involved in the scuffle that led to the incident, news agency PTI reported.

The investigation comes as twelve pilgrims were killed and over a dozen others were injured in the stampede at the Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district in the early hours of Saturday, after a scuffle between two groups of pilgrims during the New Year rush.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha constituted a probe committee which is headed by Principal Secretary (Home) Shaleen Kabra, with Divisional Commissioner Jammu Rajiv Langar and Additional Director General of Police Mukesh Singh as its members. It has been asked to submit a report within a week.

“The committee constituted would look into the causes that led to the stampede,” Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh said, as quoted by PTI.

In response to a question on whether police will take action if those involved in the scuffle were identified, he told PTI “yes”.

“Police would do its work simultaneously,” he added.

He stated that the government has already set up a three-member committee to probe the “unfortunate” incident which was the result of the “irresponsible” behaviour of some people.

Among the members of the committee is a senior police officer under whose jurisdiction the shrine comes.

Administration, Probe Panel Ask Public To Share Info

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday issued a public notice asking eyewitnesses to share information about the stampede.

The public notice was issued by Jammu Divisional Commissioner Raghav Langer, one of the members of the committee constituted by LG Manoj Sinha.

“It is for the information of the general public that any person who desires to furnish any facts, statements, electronic evidence etc. regarding the incident (stampede) may share the same. Any person who desires to meet in person, may appear before the said inquiry committee in person between 11 am and 1 pm on January 5 in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to furnish any statements/facts/evidence,” the notice read.

Stampede At Vaishno Devi Shrine Result Of Scuffle 

As per PTI, DGP Dilbagh Singh was the first who had indicated that the stampede was a result of a scuffle between some people. This same was confirmed late at night by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

The stampede happened around 2:15 am on January 1 near Gate No three of the Bhawan.

“The unfortunate incident, due to a scuffle between two groups of pilgrims, resulted in the stampede. In this ill-fated incident, a total of 12 pilgrims lost their lives and 16 others were injured,” the board had informed in the statement.

This is the first such tragedy at the Vaishno Devi shrine that attracts lakhs of people every year, located atop the Trikuta hills - about 50 km from Jammu.

(With Agency Inputs)