Had taken all kind of permissions, claims Amritsar Dasehra organiser

Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, October 22

In a video message, Saurabh Madan, organiser of Dasehra celebrations in Amritsar where nearly 60 people were mowed down by a train last Friday, has claimed to have taken all kind of permissions from the authorities concerned to hold the event.  

Besides, he added, they had warned people to move away from railway tracks.

Saurabh Madan along with his father and municipal councillor Vijay Madan had organised the event at Joda Phatak area where Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, was the chief guest.

Madan said he was pained by the train tragedy and it will continue to haunt him for life. "We had taken all kind of precautions. More than 50 police personnel were present at the venue. A fire brigade engine and a water tanker from municipal corporation were also stationed there."

"The event was organised in a ground and not on the tracks. We made repeated announcements, appealing to those standing on railway tracks to move away. Our entire family is in distress after this tragedy." 

Vijay Madan is the sitting councillor from ward number 29 falling under the Amritsar East assembly constituency.