MP stampede: Cong demands action against Collector

Jabalpur, Sep 12 (UNI) Congress General Secretary V Narayanasami, who holds charge of Madhya Pradesh, today demanded removal of and strict action against the District Collector and Superintendent of Police vis-a-vis the recent death of 12 people in a stampede outside Sarote Wale Baba's ashram at this district's Bharra village.

Mr Narayanasami and Congress state President Subhash Yadav -- who visited Bharra, interacted with locals and the godman -- told reporters here that the discussions led to the conclusion that the bureaucrat duo were entirely responsible for the fatalities.

''Ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each must be doled out and the government figure of Rs 50,000 each is inadequate. Officials are disbursing compensation according to political affiliation and Congress-supporter families are being left out,'' Mr Yadav alleged.

Despite more than 10,000 people gathering outside the ashram for treatment, no security system was in place and only five police personnel were present, he added.

''The Collector was not present in person when local Congress leaders went to submit a memorandum regarding the stampede and a dengue outbreak. The bureaucrat's administrative arrangements are in tune with the (ruling) Bharatiya Janata Party's orchestration,'' Mr Narayansami alleged while adding that the godman was not to blame.

If 'Surgeon' Baba was using illegal medical practices, then the state Health Minister and district administration ought to have taken action, he pointed out.

UNI