Varanasi stampede: SP assures action against defaulters

The Samajwadi Party on Sunday said the careless attitude of the authorities led to the unfortunate stampede in Varanasi, adding the state government will take all steps to punish the guilty.

Samajwadi Party leader Juhi Singh said that an inquiry has been initiated into the matter and added that action would be taken against the wilful defaulters.

"I believe the DGP and the DG (Law and Order) have visited the accident spot. Few people have been suspended. The inquiry is under way. We will fully inquire this unfortunate incident, we are committed towards it," said Singh.

"I believe that this incident took place because of carelessness of the authorities. The guilty will be definitely punished," she added.

Twenty-four people, including 20 women, were killed and more than 60 others injured in a stampede as thousands of followers of religious guru Jai Gurudev scrambled to cross a bridge in Varanasi yesterday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, spoke to the officials and enquired about the incident.

He also offered his condolences to the victims and announced a financial aid of Rs. Two lakh each to the families of those who died in the stampede and Rs. 50,000 to those injured.