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Journalism of Courage
The Delhi High Court has directed the city police to expeditiously complete its investigation into an incident where a 45-year-old woman was killed after a makeshift stage at a jagran collapsed at Kalkaji Mandir in January.
A single-judge bench of Justice Prathiba Singh, in its March 12 order, said: “…It is submitted that the investigation is yet to be concluded, with respect to the incident which took place in the jagran, and as to who all are responsible for conducting the same. Thus, it is directed that the police shall continue its investigation and conclude the same expeditiously, and take action against all persons who are culpable.”
The HC took on record the statement of SHO, Kalkaji police station, who “assured the court” that the investigation shall be completed within four weeks and the chargesheet shall be filed.
Also taking note of the police’s status report, Justice Singh observed that the jagran was organised by ‘Shri Kalkaji Sajja Sewadar Mitr Mandal’, and two men — who were the “organisers” — were given permission by a person who “describes himself as the mahant” of the temple.
“The Mahant is stated to have sent his representative… for obtaining permissions from the DGM, BSES, Nehru Place for conducting the chowki/ jagran from 19th December, 2023, to 28th January, 2024, in the name of the said Sewadar Mandal. The organisers, thereafter, got the pandal and other arrangements made, including installation of the electricity meter, the photography, videography etc. The status report leaves no doubt in the mind of the court that the permission for conducting the said jagran was given by the Mahant,” notes the order.
The court referred to its February 20 order, as per which the mahant had filed an affidavit stating that he had handed over the “control and management of the Kalkaji Mandir premises” to the court-appointed administrator after the HC order on September 27, 2021.
Justice Singh said that as per the administrator’s report, it was clear that he had not given any permission for holding the said event.
According to police, the incident took place on the intervening night of January 27 and 28 when people gathered around the central stage to take a closer look at popular singer B Praak performing.
Earlier, police had said that an elevated platform was put up near the main stage to accommodate organisers’ families and VIP guests. “At 12.30 am, the elevated platform collapsed as it could not bear the weight of people sitting/ standing on the stage. Some people were sitting below the platform as well,” DCP (Southeast) Rajesh Deo had said. The woman died, and 17 people were injured in the collapse.
In February, the HC had directed that no jagran or similar events shall be held at the temple without its permission.
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