Victims Hospitalised at 3:50 pm, I Was Informed About Stampede at 5:45 pm: Karnataka CM
In a shocking revelation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has admitted that he was informed about the stampede at 5:45 pm on Thursday, while the injured were already being treated at the hospital at 3:50 pm. The incident occurred in the state’s Mandya district, where a crowd surge led to the deaths of several people and injuries to many more.
The Chief Minister’s statement has sparked outrage among the public, who are questioning the delay in responding to the crisis. Siddaramaiah was speaking at a press conference where he also announced that five police officials have been suspended in connection with the incident. Additionally, the intelligence chief and the Chief Minister’s political secretary have been replaced.
The stampede occurred at the famous Chamundeshwari Temple in Mandya, where thousands of devotees had gathered to participate in a special puja (worship) ceremony. The incident led to widespread chaos, with many people injured and several others trapped under the rubble. The exact number of casualties is still unclear, but reports suggest that several people have lost their lives in the tragedy.
The Chief Minister’s statement raises serious questions about the response time and communication channels in place. If the victims were already being treated at the hospital at 3:50 pm, it is unclear why Siddaramaiah was only informed about the incident at 5:45 pm. This delay could have had severe consequences, potentially leading to more lives being lost or injured.
The suspension of five police officials is a step in the right direction, but many are calling for more action to be taken. The Chief Minister’s decision to replace the intelligence chief and political secretary is also a welcome move, as it sends a strong message that accountability will be taken seriously.
However, the incident also highlights the need for better communication and emergency response systems in place. The government must ensure that there are clear channels of communication in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident has also sparked concerns about crowd management and safety measures at religious institutions. The Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the state, and it is crucial that the authorities take measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The Chief Minister’s statement has also raised questions about the role of the intelligence agency in the state. If the intelligence chief was aware of the incident and did not inform the Chief Minister or other authorities, then there needs to be an investigation into the matter.
The incident is a tragedy that has left many people grieving and seeking answers. The government must take concrete steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
As the investigation into the incident continues, one thing is clear – the people of Karnataka demand better from their government. They deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and proactive in responding to crises. The Chief Minister’s statement is a step in the right direction, but there is much work to be done to rebuild trust and confidence in the government.
Source: https://x.com/siddaramaiah/status/1931733874025103689
