‘Rail ministry probing if conspiracy, fake news…’: Union minister's big claim on New Delhi station stampede

The railways formed a two-member committee to investigate the stampede at the New Delhi railway station.

Updated on: Feb 16, 2025, 21:54:21 IST

By HT News Desk

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Union minister Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday said that the ministry of railways is probing whether “fake news” was propagated, resulting in a stampede at the New Delhi railway station on Saturday.

"It is a very sad incident. We and our government are very sad. The Rail Ministry is investigating this incident to understand if any conspiracy or fake news was propagated that caused such an incident... The Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is extremely capable of his position..." Majumdar told ANI on Sunday, a day after 18 people were killed in the stampede.

ALSO READ: Did passengers' confusion over train names lead to New Delhi railway station stampede?

Police personnel managing passengers following a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station due to overcrowding caused by devotees heading to Prayagraj, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI)

Two-member panel to probe stampede

The railways formed a two-member committee to investigate the stampede at the New Delhi railway station.

The committee comprises Narsingh Deo, Northern Railway's Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM), and Pankaj Gangwar, its Principal Chief Safety Commissioner (PCSC).

ALSO READ: First responders describe Delhi stations stampede scene: Littered with footwear

The railways said the committee has initiated a High-Level Inquiry (HAG) into the incident. As part of the investigation, the committee has ordered the securing of all video footage from the railway station to aid in the probe, ANI reported.

The Indian Railways announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for the seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries.

ALSO READ: ‘We carried bodies on carts': New Delhi station porter recounts deadly stampede

Opposition blames Centre for stampede

Opposition parties including Congress have blamed the Centre for the stampede at the New Delhi railway station.

Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said in an X post,"This incident once again highlights the failure of the Railways and the insensitivity of the government."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said "it was extremely shameful and condemnable that the Narendra Modi government was attempting to hide the truth about the deaths."

“They are trying to deny that such an incident happened. How long will the government's tendency of dilly-dallying and insensitivity will continue? When will the government and the Railway minister's responsibility be fixed,” AAP MP Sanjay Singh said.

(With ANI inputs)

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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