Human Rights Commission Investigates Fatal Religious Gathering in MP

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The Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) has launched an inquiry into a fatal stampede at Kubereshwar Dham in Sehore district, where at least seven devotees lost their lives during a large-scale religious event. The gathering, led by self-styled spiritual leader Pradeep Mishra, attracted thousands of participants from across the state and beyond.

According to preliminary reports, a sudden surge in the crowd triggered panic, leading to several people being crushed or trampled. Many others sustained injuries, some of them critical, and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The incident has raised urgent concerns about crowd control and safety arrangements at major religious gatherings in the state.

Acting on its motion, the MPHRC issued notices to the Sehore district collector and the superintendent of police, directing them to submit a detailed report within 15 days. The Commission has sought information on the sequence of events leading to the stampede, the crowd management strategies in place, the medical assistance provided to victims, and any compensation or relief offered to the affected families.

Investigators are also examining whether standard safety protocols were followed, such as the deployment of adequate police forces, the presence of emergency medical teams, and the use of barricades or other preventive measures. MPHRC officials have stressed that events of this scale demand meticulous planning, particularly when held in areas with limited infrastructure.

Eyewitnesses described the crowd as being far larger than expected, with congested entry and exit points contributing to dangerous bottlenecks. These accounts will form part of the official inquiry. Legal experts note that both event organizers and local authorities could face accountability if lapses in safety planning are confirmed.

The Commission is expected to recommend stricter measures to avoid such tragedies in the future, including mandatory crowd-control training for police, on-site medical response teams, and caps on attendee numbers.

State authorities have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to provide appropriate support. Injured devotees remain under medical care, with some still in serious condition.

The MPHRC’s probe highlights the critical importance of safeguarding the right to life and safety during mass public events. Officials have made it clear that their findings will be monitored closely and that failure to implement corrective measures could prompt further action.