As markets in Delhi are all decked up for Diwali, a video from the busy Sadar Bazar showing a heavy footfall has gone viral on social media. In the video, men can be seen pushing women as there is no space to walk.
People tried to find a way through the dense crowd while balancing bags on their heads. Street vendors also obstructed the road, leaving a narrow path for people.
As per the news agency PTI, police have stationed teams in the area to maintain order and prevent any incidents. A senior police officer stated, "Sadar Bazar, during festival seasons, faces high footfall. We are planning to manage the crowd and soon meetings will be done with the district magistrate, market association, and officials of the MCD for the crowd planning."
Efforts are underway to limit the entry of heavy vehicles to ease congestion, PTI quoted another officer. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has not commented on the situation yet.
However, Rakesh Yadav, president of the Sadar Bazar Association, mentioned plans to write to the Delhi Police for crowd management. "We are planning to write and meet senior police officers of the north district as a huge crowd can lead to any bigger circumstances if not properly maintained," he said.
Boy Electrocuted At Delhi's Kalkaji Temple
This comes days after a 17-year-old boy was electrocuted to death while standing in a queue for darshan at Delhi's Kalkaji Temple during Navratri. His electrocution caused panic among other devotees who had gathered there to mark the beginning of Navratri, leading to a stampede past midnight. As many as six people were injured in the incident.
"The temple was overcrowded. Some electric wires were touching iron railings," the boy's brother had said.