Modi rally tent-collapse: Human factors involved, non-bailable charges slapped
What's the story
A day after 90 people were injured at a tent-collapse in PM Narendra Modi's Midnapore rally, officials have flagged "multiple reasons." Apart from rain, and people climbing up the pillars, forensic officials said the poles had been buried "only three-four inches" deep, and only one screw held them in place. Several charges have been slapped on the organizers, including attempt to commit culpable homicide.
Accident
The tent fell gradually, letting many people escape
As Modi addressed a rally yesterday, a makeshift tent, erected near the main entrance, started falling. But many escaped injuries as it fell gradually. The accident happened some 100m away from the dais on which Modi and other BJP leaders were standing. The PM immediately directed his personal staff to look after the people, witnesses said. Shockingly, another tent collapsed in the evening.
Factors
Rains, people climbing up poles not only factors to blame
Prima facie, the accident was attributed to rains, which had loosened the soil, and the fact that people were climbing up the poles to catch a glimpse of the PM. Moreover, "water had accumulated in pockets on the roof, increasing the weight," explained C Sarkar of the State Forensic Science Laboratory. Human mistakes were made too: instead of four, only one screw secured the poles.
SPG
SPG to visit accident site, conduct probe
Police said organizers had been charged with Sections 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 337 (endangering life or personal safety) and 338 (causing grievous hurt). These are non-bailable sections. However, it isn't known whom "organizers" refers to. The Home Ministry has now said top officials of the Special Protection Group (SPG) will assess the accident and look for lapses.
Politics
Incident triggers BJP-TMC spar
The incident led to a TMC-BJP spar. BJP members blamed police for lack of crowd control, accusing them of "standing like spectators." "They didn't even bother to find out who was the contractor and decorator," said BJP Bengal President Dilip Ghosh. TMC ministers hit back. "Did we appoint the contractor? Why blame police if party leaders cannot control their men?" asked Food Minister Jyotipriyo Mullick.
Data
Over 30 people discharged, but many still undergoing treatment
Yesterday, 14 of the 90 admitted to the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital were discharged, and another 17 released today. The others, including some 20 women, are still undergoing treatment, Medical Superintendent Tanmay Kumar Panja said.