Madhya Pradesh Rights Panel Probes Stampede

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The Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) has stepped in following a deadly stampede at Kubereshwar Dham in Sehore district, which resulted in the loss of at least seven lives. The tragedy occurred during a large religious gathering at the spiritual center, sparking public outcry and demands for accountability from both devotees and rights advocates.

In response to the incident, the MPHRC has ordered a detailed report from the state administration. Officials have been given a 15-day deadline to submit a comprehensive explanation covering several key areas: the crowd control measures implemented at the event, the availability and responsiveness of emergency medical services, and the relief and compensation provided to the victims’ families.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with thousands of devotees gathered at the site for a special event. Initial reports suggest that inadequate crowd management and limited access to exit routes contributed to the panic that ultimately led to the stampede. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact sequence of events, but video footage and local accounts indicate that the situation spiraled out of control in a matter of minutes.

The victims included elderly individuals and women who were unable to escape the surging crowd. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in nearby hospitals. In the immediate aftermath, local police and emergency responders were dispatched to the site to manage the situation and offer aid.

While the state government expressed condolences and announced ex gratia compensation for the families of the deceased, civil society groups and human rights advocates have called for a more structured response. The MPHRC’s inquiry aims to determine whether basic rights to safety and emergency assistance were adequately upheld during the event.

A senior official from the commission stated that the goal of the probe is to prevent such incidents in the future by identifying systemic lapses and holding responsible parties accountable. “Religious events of this scale require precise planning and coordination between event organizers, law enforcement, and health services. Any oversight is unacceptable,” the official said.

The Kubereshwar Dham spiritual center, which attracts thousands of followers from across the region, has held large gatherings in the past. However, this incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of how such events are organized and whether existing safety protocols are sufficient for handling massive crowds.

In addition to the MPHRC’s investigation, the district administration has initiated an internal review to assess the handling of the event. A separate report is also expected from the police department regarding the deployment of personnel and their response timeline.

As public mourning continues, the focus has shifted to ensuring that corrective measures are implemented swiftly. Families of the victims and survivors have urged the government to introduce stricter crowd management rules for future religious events and to ensure that all venues are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to handle emergencies.The findings of the MPHRC report could play a pivotal role in shaping state policy on mass gatherings, particularly in religious and spiritual contexts.