Delhi Police deploy 6 inspectors at NDLS for crowd management
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New Delhi: In response to the tragic stampede that claimed 18 lives, including five children, at the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), the Delhi Police have deployed six inspector-rank officers to enhance crowd management and ensure passenger safety. The officers, drawn from various districts, were selected for their extensive experience at NDLS, one of the busiest railway hubs in India.
Some of the officers have previously served as Station House Officers (SHOs) at the station, giving them a deep understanding of the complexities involved in managing large crowds and security challenges. Their deployment comes ahead of the final major snan of the Kumbh Mela, set for February 26 on Maha Shivratri, which is expected to see an influx of passengers travelling to Prayagraj for the holy dip in the Ganges.
The tragic stampede occurred on Saturday night when a sudden surge of passengers waiting to board trains to Prayagraj caused panic on the foot-overbridge connecting platforms 14 and 15. Passengers slipped while descending, leading to a fatal crush. Over a dozen people were also injured in the incident.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered an inquiry into the incident and set up a two-member high-level committee to investigate any lapses. Meanwhile, emergency measures have been implemented at other stations across the country to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Devotees continue to arrive in Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirming that about 1.49 crore devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Sunday.
With IANS inputs