At least 300 spectators were present at the Dhobi Ghat ground, barely 2 km from the Amritsar station, when the incident took place.
A case was registered with the Government Railway Police Station on Monday into the deaths of more than 60 people who were mowed down by a speeding train while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy was run over by a train near Joda Phatak in Amritsar.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Commissioner of Police SS Shrivastava said; "ADGP rank officer has been roped to monitor the overall sitaution. A SIT panel has been formed and a separate magisterial inquiry is underway".
Earlier on Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh ordered a magisterial probe into the accident. At least 300 spectators were present at the Dhobi Ghat ground, barely 2 km from the Amritsar station, when the incident took place. Many of them stood on the tracks close to the Jaura Phatak crossing to get a better view and were taking videos of the burning Ravan as the first of the trains, 74643 Jalandhar-Amritsar DMU, ran them over.
Political blamegame erupted over the accident as the opposition parties left no stone unturned to attack the Congress-led government of Punjab. While BJP alleged administrative failure on part of Punjab government, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the government is taking the accident lightly. He also said that an inquiry should be done by the independent agency.
The Punjab government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased.The Centre has also assured to provide all assistance to Punjab.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha on Saturday ruled out any punitive action against the driver of the train that mowed down Dussehra revellers in Amritsar, saying there was no negligence on the part of the national transporter.
He also advised people not to organise such events near railway tracks in future.
"The incident was not a railways' fault. There was no lapse on our part and no action against the driver will be initiated. People should refrain from organising such events near tracks in future. I think if precaution had been taken, the accident could have been averted," he said, adding wherever such events are held, the district administration concerned gives permission.
