Patna:
Pramod Gupta was one of the 30-odd people who turned up within the first hour at the open court hearing on the Patna stampede today.
Mr Gupta, 45, lost his mother and sister-in-law in the stampede on Friday evening at Gandhi Maidan, which claimed 33 lives.
Before he went in for the hearing, Mr Gupta had no kind words for the police and the Patna district administration.
"The policemen at the Gandhi Maidan, on Friday, were only busy looking after the convenience of the VIPs there. I don't think the transfer of a few officers by the Bihar government is enough. In fact, in my opinion, they are shielding these officers in my opinion," said a visibly agitated Mr Gupta. (
Patna Stampede: Bihar Government Transfers Four Officials)
Two members of the enquiry committee constituted to look into the incident -- Bihar Police Additional Director General Gupteshwar Pandey and Bihar Home Secretary Amir Subhani - were present at the hearing. (
Patna Stampede: The Glaring Lapses that Led to The Tragedy)
Meanwhile, the open court hearing at the Patna District Magistrate's office started a full hour late; those who had come to depose had to wait it out before the officers arrived. The hearing was not open to the media, but Bihar Home Secretary Amir Subhani claimed transparency of the proceedings would not be compromised. (
Patna Stampede: Surprise Visit to Hospital Shocks Bihar Chief Minister)
"We will share all details with you. We are here to help you. I will sit and listen to the victims all day and even tomorrow if needed," said Mr Subhani.
This will mean that the 72-hour deadline set by Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi for the completion of the enquiry into the incident will be missed. There is no word yet on when the two officers will submit their report. (
Patna Stampede: For Many Families, Dussehra Turns Into Their Darkest Day)
The Bihar government has also moved to suspend the Patna Medical College's superintendent Lakhendra Prasad.
The move comes two days after a surprise visit to the emergency ward of the hospital -- where those injured in the stampede are being treated -- infuriated the Chief Minister, who said conditions at the hospital were deplorable.