Actual toll concealed, exact number still unclear: AAP

AAP blames BJP government for New Delhi railway station stampede, alleging concealment of actual death toll by officials.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday held the BJP-led Central government “responsible for the stampede” at the New Delhi railway station that left 18 people dead and alleged that the actual death toll is being “concealed by officials” as eyewitness accounts do not match the official figures.

“The actual death toll is being concealed. While the L-G [V.K. Saxena] initially acknowledged the deaths, he edited his post on X minutes later. On the other hand, the Railway Minister [Ashwini Vaishnaw] outright denied the incident,” senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh said.

“The exact number of casualties is still unclear. Some reports mention 15, others say 18. However, eyewitnesses present at the scene claim that the number of deceased is much higher,” he said.

Recalling fire incidents and the stampede at the Maha Kumbh, Mr. Singh said the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government carried out massive publicity drives but failed to put in place adequate arrangements to deal with the rush of visitors. “Did the railway administration not understand that if such a large crowd had gathered and a sudden announcement about a platform change was made, it would create chaos? And that is exactly what happened. Yet, after such a massive incident, everyone is busy denying it,” he said.

‘Approach AAP’

Caretaker Chief Minister Atishi visited hospitals where the injured are undergoing treatment and asked the victims’ kin to approach AAP MLAs-elect for assistance. “The Centre and the U.P. government seem unconcerned about people’s safety. There are neither proper arrangements in Prayagraj nor adequate transportation facilities for devotees coming from different parts of the country for the Maha Kumbh,” she said.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal offered condolences to the kin of the deceased.