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Rajmeet Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 20
While the Railways has declined to conduct an investigation into the Amritsar tragedy, the Punjab Government has maintained that it will, in its magisterial inquiry, examine the role of railway officials besides other aspects related to the incident.
“The Jalandhar Divisional Commissioner, Baldeo Purushartha, has been directed to look into the lapses, including those on the part of the Railways, if any. The investigation will cover all aspects of the tragedy,” Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh told The Tribune.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) issued a notification directing the Divisional Commissioner to conduct the probe and submit the report in four weeks. The commissioner has been appointed Special Executive Magistrate under the provision of Section 21 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. While conducting the inquiry, he shall exercise all powers conferred upon an Executive Magistrate.
Official sources said in initial briefing to the Chief Minister by the officials concerned, the role of police authorities had come under the scanner.
The organisers of the event near Joda Phatak in the holy city would also be questioned for not taking the necessary permissions. Many heads could role, indicated a senior officer.
Terms and reference
In the terms and reference of the magisterial inquiry, the Divisional Commissioner has been authorised to conduct a thorough probe into the tragedy and examine acts of omission and commission by an individual or agency, if any, and accordingly fix responsibility. The inquiry will also suggest remedial measures to ensure that such incidents do not reccur.
Didn’t want to hit relief, delayed visit: Capt
Hitting back at the Opposition over allegations of reaching the mishap venue late, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said: “I was at the airport and was about to leave for Tel Aviv when I got information about the tragedy. I wanted to visit Amritsar last night itself, but was advised against it by the district authorities who said the VIP movement would divert their attention from the rescue and relief efforts.”
No decision yet on Israel visit
Even as an official team of the state government has already reached Tel Aviv, Capt Amarinder is yet to take a decision on his Israel trip. On flying back to Delhi from Amritsar, the CM told the Tribune that he was keeping a watch on the situation and would later take a decision on the trip, which was scheduled to commence on October 21. The Chief Minister was slated to meet Israel President Reuven Rivlin on October 23.
Jakhar backs ex-MLA
On SAD chief Sukhbir Badal holding Navjot Kaur Sidhu responsible for the tragedy, PPCC president Sunil Jakhar said: "It is rubbish to blame her. She has been attending to patients the whole night." He said instead of giving statements, the Opposition should help in taking care of the injured. "Our workers are going to the homes of those killed and injured. Peace prayers will be held in Amritsar," he said. Ferozepur MLA Parminder Pinki said the PM should offer jobs to the families of those killed.
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