Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has called for an independent, judicially-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed 18 lives and left more than a dozen injured late Saturday night.
Condolences and demand for accountability
Expressing his condolences to the families of the victims, Owaisi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday to highlight what he termed as "systemic failures" within the Indian Railways. He accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to downplay the tragedy and urged immediate corrective measures.
"My deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who died in the New Delhi Railway Station stampede. This was an avoidable tragedy. The BJP government is trying to cover up what happened. This is what needs to be done instead:
- Appointing an independent, judicially-monitored SIT to investigate the tragedy.
- Conducting an independent inquiry into the systemic failures of the Indian Railways," Owaisi wrote.
Also Read: New Delhi station stampede deaths rise to 18, several injured
Criticism of railway management
Owaisi further criticised the Narendra Modi-led government for what he described as "mismanagement" of the Indian Railways, emphasising its vital role as a transportation lifeline for millions of Indians. He asserted that the government’s inefficiency had contributed to the disaster and demanded a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
Circumstances leading to the Stampede
According to eyewitness reports, the stampede erupted due to an overwhelming surge of passengers waiting to board trains headed for Prayagraj, where the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival has attracted large crowds. Platforms 14 and 15 of the station were reportedly packed beyond capacity, exacerbating the situation and leading to the deadly rush.
With mounting criticism and demands for accountability, the government is expected to issue a response regarding the cause of the stampede and the measures being taken to enhance crowd management at major railway stations across the country.
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