Lapses on all fronts led to train tragedy

Even as a magisterial probe by Jalandhar Divisional Commissioner and an inquiry by ADGP (Government Railway Police) are in progress, lapses on the part of various authorities have come to light. These collectively led to the Amritsar rail mishap. PK Jaiswar and Charanjit Singh Teja report 

Where police went wrong

On behalf of the Amritsar East Dasehra Committee, Congress leader Saurav Madan Mithu sought permission and security for holding a function from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (law and order) on October 15, besides seeking separate approval from the community police service centre for installing loudspeakers at the venue. The application was forwarded to the Mohkampura police.

The Mohkampura SHO issued an NOC on October 17, with the rider that the organisers would follow guidelines of SC and High Court for playing loudspeakers at the venue (Dhobi Ghat). It also included the condition that organisers would ensure there were no traffic obstacles.

Even though Mithu mentioned in his application that about 20,000 people would gather at the venue, the police did not carry out an inspection to check whether it could accommodate such a huge crowd. Barely 75 cops were deployed, including SHO Sukhminder Singh. The cops on duty overlooked the presence of people in large numbers on the railway track.

The police told Mithu to take approval from the MC, but did not do a follow-up to ensure that its direction was complied with.

Municipal body erred too

According to the norms, it is mandatory to take permission from the Municipal Corporation’s Estate Office for using its land for a public event. There are 17 conditions that have to be fulfilled, including a no-objection certificate from the police and permission from the district administration. In case of violation of norms, the MC authorities can act under the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, besides filing an FIR in case a complaint is received.

The organisers — councillor Vijay Madan and her son Saurav Madan Mithu — did not take permission from the MC. The MC failed to take action even though the organisers installed a huge effigy (over 50 ft) of Ravana on its land in Dhobi Ghat without its nod and also put up hoardings and posters in the city.

Rules for public events

For organising a public gathering, the district administration’s nod is a must after taking an NoC from the police and getting approval of land use from the owner (in this case, MC). If a stage is to be erected, a certificate from the Public Works Department (PWD) is required, besides intimating the fire brigade and the Health Department to depute a team for any medical emergency. It’s the duty of the organisers to make arrangements for potable water, toilets, parking etc.

PWD officials say they conduct physical verification (and grant NoC) only for events organised by the government, where the chief guest is the Chief Minister or other VVIPs. “In this particular case, the organisers are responsible for the arrangements,” said JS Sodhi, Executive Engineer, PWD.

Organisers flouted norms

The Dasehra Committee (East) did not apply for permission from the district administration. “Nobody approached us for hosting this event,” said Vikas Heera, SDM–II. Civil Surgeon Dr HS Ghai said the Health Department was not informed too.

Organiser Saurav Madan is considered close to Cabinet Minister Navjot Sidhu and his wife, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu. Dr Sidhu was the chief guest, but the couple claims that she didn’t know whether all requisite permissions had been taken for the event.

Railways’ role

According to the Codes and Manuals of the Railways, security patrolling on special occasions should be carried out according to instructions issued by the administration. However, the railway authorities pointed out that they were not intimated by the administration about the Dhobi Ghat event. “We conduct patrolling on the tracks only to check their condition,” said Amrit Singh, officiating station director, Amritsar. Surprisingly, the patrolling party did not take cognisance of the crowd on the tracks.