Lokesh says rush of devotees was surprising

Minister for Info Expertise and RTGS Nara Lokesh has stated the surprising turnout on the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple that led to the tragic stampede may be attributed to the social media publicity given to some temples and in addition the free bus scheme that was launched by the State authorities.

Talking to media on the Kasibugga CHC, after interacting with the sufferers being handled there, together with Dwelling Minister V Anitha and others, Mr Lokesh careworn the necessity of formulating a typical working process (SOP) to be adopted for crowd administration and others on the temples. When identified that social media posts have been leading to surprising rush at temples like Vadapalli Venkateswara Swamy temple, the Minister stated not simply social media posts however the devotees are availing free bus facility supplied by the federal government to go to temples.

Mr. Lokesh, quoting the eye-witnesses and injured, stated majority of those that visited the temple are first timers to the place. “9 out of 10 have visited the temple for the primary time on Saturday. The native police, administration or the temple administration had no concept that such an enormous devotee turnout will probably be there,” he stated.

Mr. Lokesh stated there have been no CCTVs within the temple and as per the eyewitnesses, the temple gates usually shut at 12 midday and as time was nearing, devotees began to hurry in the direction of the doorway. These popping out from the temple fell on them ensuing within the stampede.

He stated the barricades needs to be of six inches however solely two-and-half inches barricades have been erected. Mr Lokesh stated the State authorities had determined to offer ₹15 lakh as compensation for the household of the deceased and would additionally monitor the injured until their well being situation improves utterly.

The Middle has additionally introduced ₹2 lakh compensation to the deceased, Mr. Lokesh stated and added that three of the deceased are TDP activists and they’ll get ₹5 lakh insurance coverage cowl supplied by the get together.

On the temple proprietor being arrested, the Minister stated since an incident of such a magnitude had occurred, the police are questioning Hari Mukund Panda, the clergymen and others. “The temple was constructed over a time frame and we need to verify what was used and different side of the development,” he stated and added they are going to determine on taking any motion at a later stage.