Patna stampede: Ravi Shankar Prasad blames Bihar Govt. for security lapse

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday criticised the Bihar government for the improper safety measures at Patna's Gandhi Maidan that led to a deadly stampede, killing 33 people, on Dussehra.

"The festival of Dussehra is celebrated every year, so why such security lapse this time, why weren't all the gates opened. Since 1955 Dussehra is being celebrated at Gandhi Maidan but why such stampede this time, I saw myself that there were no lights, and the condition of the ground was also very poor and risky to walk," Prasad said while addressing a press conference.

Recalling previous such incidents of security lapse, Prasad added, "The Chief Minister of Bihar has talked about inquiry on the matter, but I want to ask that when there were bomb blasts during Prime Minister Modi's rally at Gandhi Maidan in October last year in which around 80 persons were injured and some even died, then also former CM Nitish Kumar talked about inquiry but nothing happened and similarly two year ago during Chhath puja also dozens died and inquiry was ordered but still no results."

Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi had said on Saturday that an investigation was going on and action will be taken against all those found responsible for the tragedy.

"Investigation will make it clear whether it was a human error or a conspiracy. We will have an all party meeting and create a blue print, will work within that framework to avoid such incidents in future. Investigation is going on and action will be taken against all those who will be found responsible," said Manjhi.

On Friday, a stampede occurred when a huge crowd had gathered at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna for the burning of effigies at dusk during the Dussehra festival.

Officials said the stampede started at the end of the festival when people started leaving.

Local news reports quoted a witness who said the road people left on was not properly lit and police are analysing pictures from CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) to find out what triggered the stampede.