NewZNew (Patna) : The panel probing the Dussehra day stampede at the Gandhi Maidan here recorded the statements of top officials and the injured Sunday and may submit its report to the state government Monday.The two-member committee, comprising Principal Home Secretary Amir Shubani and Additional Director General of Police Gupteshwar Pandey, visited the spot Saturday to inquire into Friday’s stampede. The team was constituted by the government after Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi ordered an inquiry into the incident that killed 33 people and injured 29.
“Subhani and Pandey have recorded the statements of Patna District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma and Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Manu Maharaj along with magistrates who were on duty at the Gandhi Maidan,” an official of the general administration department said. They also recorded the statements of the injured and collected information about the incident that occurred after the burning of Ravana’s effigy. “The government has directed the probe team to submit its report as soon as possible,” the official said.
According to officials, the probe team has pointed to inadequate lightning and impediments at the exit gate as reasons for the tragedy. Manjhi had already said the state government would take action against officials if they are found guilty. “Action would be initiated after the inquiry, my government would not spare any one,” he said.