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Amritsar train tragedy: Amarinder Singh sets 4-week deadline for inquiry

The CM said action will be taken against those responsible for the tragedy once the inquiry report comes.

Amritsar train tragedy: Amarinder Singh sets 4-week deadline for inquiry

(Photo: SNS)

A day after 59 Dussehra revellers were crushed to death and 57 injured by a speeding train in Amritsar, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday set a four-week deadline for completion of inquiry by Divisional Commissioner Jalandhar into the incident.

Speaking to reporters after reviewing the situation on the ground and meeting the injured in three hospitals, besides visiting the spot where the tragedy had occurred on Friday evening during Dussehra celebrations, the CM said action will be taken against those responsible for the tragedy once the inquiry report comes. The probe will cover all aspects of the tragedy, he added.

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Asked if there were any lapses on the part of the railways, Amarinder said the probe will look into the matter, and will ascertain whether approvals for holding the function were given or not.

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“The three-member Crisis Management Group, headed by Health Minister Brahm Mohindra, will camp in Amritsar as long as they are needed to monitor and assist in the relief operations,” said the CM.

The Group, constituted by the Chief Minister on Friday night, has Revenue Minister Sukbinder Singh Sarkaria and Forest Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot as its members, and is closely monitoring the situation and supervising the relief efforts.

Top police officials have also been asked to stay in Amritsar till they are required to ensure that the situation stabilises.

Amarinder said though he had wanted to visit Amritsar last night itself, he was advised against it by the district authorities which did not want a VIP movement to divert attention from the urgent rescue and relief efforts needed at that hour.

As per reports, 59 people had died and 57 had been injured in the incident, said CM, announcing that mourning will continue in Amritsar district till Monday. The national flag will fly at half mast and all educational institutions will remain closed in this period, he added.

The CM also met the injured at three hospitals today.

Read More: Amarinder Singh meets injured at hospitals, defends Sidhu

The state government has already announced free treatment for the injured at all government and private hospitals in the district, besides Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the families of those killed in the accident that took place during Dussehra celebrations.

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