Under attack, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced a judicial probe into the stampede at a temple in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district as the death toll in the tragedy during Navaratri festivities mounted to 115, prompting demands for his resignation.
The state government also recommended suspension of Datia Collector, SP, SDM and SDOP to Election Commission over the Ratangarh stampede incident.
"So far, we have received reports of 115 deaths in the stampede," Deputy Inspector General (DIG) D K Arya told PTI from Ratangarh, the scene of last morning's tragedy.
The stampede, which also left over 100 injured, was said to have been triggered by rumours that the bridge over river Sindh which the devotees were crossing was about to collapse.
Unconfirmed reports said that the stampede took place as some people were trying to jump the queue and police used batons to control them.
Lakhs of devotees had converged at Ratangarh, 60 km from the district headquarters and around 320 km from state capital Bhopal, to offer prayers at a Durga temple on the occasion of Navratri when disaster struck.
Facing criticism by the Congress, Chouhan announced a judicial probe into the incident, describing it as "shocking and most unfortunate".
He said an inquiry commission would be set up in a couple of days and would be asked to submit its report within two months. The recommendations of the panel would be implemented within 15 days of submission of the report and action will be taken against those found responsible for the tragedy, Chouhan said.
The Chief Minister was earlier denied permission to visit the scene of the stampede by the Election Commission.
As the death toll climbed to 115, Congress party mounted an offensive against Chouhan, blaming corruption under him for the tragedy.
"Police was charging Rs 200 from every tractor to allow them entry into the no-traffic zone. Is this what they call good governance in Madhya Pradesh?" Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh said.
He blamed corruption in plum postings in the state for the occurrence of such tragedies.
"Postings of Collectors and Superintendent of Police (SP) in districts have been done on the basis of money they collect. It is a common practice during BJP rule and those getting appointed in such a manner hardly care for an action in the event of a lapse on their part," Singh told reporters.
