Crisis communication

PATNA DUSSEHRA STAMPEDE

Crisis Communication

Team Members:Neha Shetty

Manisha TripathiSaumya SinghKshitij ShrimaliNishant Dalwadi

The case

The “Patna Dussehra Stampede” is a one of the many cases of stampede. Sadly most of such stampedes and deaths have been caused because of some random rumour. The diagram shows the no. of deaths through stampedes over the last 10 years.

Background of the Case

The incident took place in Bihar’s capital Patna, at the famous Gandhi Maidan. Bihar’s C.M Jitan Ram Manji was also present at this event where people watched an arrow setting the 60 feet tall effigy of Ravan into flames.

Tragedy occurred when people in huge numbers were returning after watching the “Ravan Vadh” ceremony.

CCTV footages show that stampede occurred at the gate near Ram Ghoolan Chowk as hordes of people started to exit the grounds after Dussehra celebrations at around 6:40 p.m. There was no light in the area too.

Background (contd.)

The stampede claims to have killed at least 32 people, mostly women and children. There were around 5-6 children and around 20 women amongst the dead.

The toll of deaths reached 33 people when one injured succumbed to death the next day in the hospital.

There were around 29 people injured who were taken to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) said Patna DM Manish Kumar Verma.

Background (contd.)

Out of them 17 were women and 12 were men said Principal Secretary Home Amir Subhani with Additional Director General of Police Gupteshwar Pandey. Out of these 29, 4 are estimated to be critically injured.

Patna Medical College and Hospital'a (PMCH) Deputy Superintendent Sudhanshu Singh said 32 people died in the stampede--20 women, 10 children and two men. Seven girls were among the 10 child victims, he said, adding 26 people were injured and receiving treatment.

Background (contd.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Bihar C.M to inquire about the stampede. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed.

Bihar C.M has announced Rs.3 lakh to the next of the kin of the dead.

Background (Cause)

Eyewitnesses said the stampede was sparked by rumours that a live high tension wire had snapped and fallen on ground triggering panic. However, there was no official confirmation of the exact cause of the stampede.

Slippers, shoes and footwear lay strewn on a one-km stretch at the stampede site as people tried to flee from the scene.The PMCH has been cordoned off by the security forces.

Hundreds of people were milling around the PMCH, some of them wailing, trying to locate their near and dear ones who got separated in the event. Several ambulances were seen going inside the PMCH carrying stampede victims.

Problem involved

Controversy:Jitan Ram Manjhi-led JD(U) Government is in the dock for its administrative inefficiency not only from its political adversaries but also from the JD(U)’s new alliance partner, the RJD.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad kicked up a controversy when he said that the Centre was ready to send a team of doctors but the Chief Minister had refused help.

. "Why were proper arrangements not made? If the allegation is true that only one gate was open, why it is so? If people say that there was no light, why it is so? I think this is a very elementary accountability which the state government has to explain“ said Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Problems (contd.)

RJD president Lalu Prasad said that the stampede at Gandhi Maidan appears to be a result of administrative "lapse" and expressed dismay over the administration's inability to make foolproof arrangements despite several unpleasant incidents in the past at the grounds in the heart of the capital.

Ironically, this was the same ground where six people died due to bomb blasts in a BJP rally last year.

Promblems (contd.)

The District Magistrate of Patna, Manish Verma, was removed from his post two days after this incident.

The Commissioner of Patna, N. Vijaylakshmi too has been transferred for allegedly failing to ensure that all the arrangements worked at the grounds – from gates to lightning, before allowing the programme.

Security arrangements too were reportedly found to be inadequate.

Members of the crowd near the Gandhi Maidan, razed down a traffic post venting their anger at the police. A PTI reporter saw the crowd venting their ire by razing down the post on South-East side of the Gandhi Maidan en route to Exhibition Road, burning tyres and raising slogans against the police at around 10 PM. Senior police officials with anti-riot vehicles rushed to the spot and managed to control the protesters.

Development of solution

Rumours state that a live high tension wire had snapped and fallen on ground triggering panic. Another rumour sparked was that of a possible bomb in the venue.

These causes developed the situation of stampede. But no definitive cause could be found.

Analysis of Solution

Various news media reported the situations like TOI, The Indian Express, The Economic Times, DNA, Ahmedabad Mirror, The Hindu, etc reported this incident.

This news was also flashed on many regional and national channels. The poor arrangements received a lot of criticism from media and they indeed shared the opinions similar to theirs by the people. Various statements said by noted politicians like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Ravi Shankar Prasad on Bihar C.M’s management were also matters of controversies.

Damage Control

The part were P.R can prove to be helpful is when a Press Conference between officials and media can be held.

It needs to be communicated and stressed upon that proper medical facilities are given to people injured in the stampede.

The matter of ex-gratia offered also need to be told and there needs to be an assurance given for the same.

It should also be assured that the problems of arrangement and police management are not going to be repeated. The matter the DSP was suspended within two day’s time shows the seriousness with which they are dealing this issue.

Sources

Times of IndiaIndian ExpressDNAThe Hindu

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