A cocktail of rumour and apathy led to the stampede

Patna: Even before the two lakh crowd who had come to watch the burning of Ravan’s effigy dispersed, top police brass left the scene – presumably to be present for the birthday of the District Magistrate’s son.  

A senior IPS officer on Saturday told India Today that the absence of senior officers could be the reason why the constables deployed to control the crowd and ensure their safe exit from Patna Gandhi Maidan half-heartedly performed their duty.

“The stampede that led to the death of 33 persons, mostly women and children, was waiting to happen,” said the officer.

Most of the senior officers moved out immediately after Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s convoy left the ground. Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manji was the chief guest at the Gandhi Maidan where the 60 feet tall effigy of Ravan was put to flames.

Bihar Home Secretary Amir Subhani has promised “stern action” against anyone found guilty.

Though police claimed that four exit gates were open for all, those present say only two exit gates were open for the common people. There are also reports about a protruding rod in the way to the exit gate that injured commoners.

A rumour about a live wire on the ground created the panic, resulting in pandemonium. Those present accuse the district administration of making inadequate arrangement for lights.