Bihar stampede probe: State govt panel holds district administration responsible

Principal secretary home Amir Subhani said the report that was submitted to the chief minister recommended the government to construct four big gates with watch-towers at Gandhi Maidan. “We have also recommended that senior oofficils must be deputed to monitor big events at Gandhi Maidan and proper lighting arrangement and security and evacuation plan must be put in place to help avoid any untoward incident in future”, said the home secretary. Additional director general of police (headquarters) Gupteshwar Pandey was another member of the probe team.

Subhani idetified darkness in large part of Gandhi Maidan and rumour around hanging cable wire taken for livewire and no proper exit plans main reasons for the stampede. Asked why no individuals were identified for lapses, Subhani said: “It was cumulative responsibility of district administration, district police, PMC and traffic police to ensure sound arrangements. We found several magistrates had been absent from their duties. It is up to the government to take action against erring officials”.