Gujarat govt orders probe into stampede in Pavagadh temple

Vadodara, Oct 14 (UNI) Gujarat government today ordered a magisterial inquiry into the stampede at the Kali Mata temple atop the Pavagadh hills in Panchmahals district.

Besides, probing into the accident and fixing responsibility on the errant officials, the probe would also submit its recommendations to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in future, according to Minister of State for Home Amit Shah.

Mr Shah along with Health and Law Minister Ashok Bhatt has rushed to the accident spot and are also scheduled to visit the victims admitted to the Halol Referal hospital.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Narendra Modi who is also on his way to Pavagadh, has condoled the death of the devotees in the stampede and announced Rs 1,00,000 each as compensation to the kin of the deceased.

Following the stampede, the district administration has further strengthened the security arrangement all along the hilly route leading to the famous Kali Mata temple.

Assuring that government would provide all necessary medical help to the victims, Health Minister Ashok Bhatt said his government would like to implement the recommendations of the magisterial probe immediately in order to prevent such incidents.

UNI