Kochi Tech Fest stampede: "Serious lapse on part of organisers, authorities," says Union Minister Muraleedharan

Kochi (Kerala) [India], November 26 (ANI): Union Minister V Muraleedharan expressed grief over the loss of four lives in a stampede at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and alleged that there was negligence on the part of the organisers of the event and the authorities.
Speaking to ANI about the stampede in Kochi, the minister said, "The loss of four lives in the stampede that happened in the CUSAT yesterday is a very painful incident. There was a serious lapse on the part of the organisers."
V Muraleedharan also said that a similar incident took place in the same area earlier and questioned who was responsible for such recurring incidents in Kerala.
"This is the same place where, very recently, there was a bomb explosion and six people lost their lives. At that point, I also pointed out that the state government should take responsibility. Who is accountable for such things happening in Kerala?" he said.
Taking account of the situation, the minister further asserted that the law and order situation in the state was not being taken seriously by the authorities.
"Any individual can go to such crowded places, plan explosives and get away, and nothing happens. The police won't be able to find out anything. In this incident, I am told that only a handful of policemen were present at the event. The commissioner says that permission was not sought. Does he not have the responsibility to find out or know what is happening in the area?" Muraleedharan said.
He also said that the Chief Minister of Kerala did not give due importance to the stampede situation.
"The chief minister has not given the due importance that should be given by the ruler of the state," he said.
He further demanded more seriousness in the incident on the part of the state government.
"The construction of that location itself was faulty. A gate opening to descending steps. I don't understand whether such a thing is allowed. Second, whether the university has sought permission. So there are many questions for which answers have to be found. I am demanding that the state government give more seriousness to this incident," he said.
Meanwhile, singer Nikhita Gandhi also expressed her grief over the stampede that took place during her concert at Cochin University's annual festival.
She took to her Instagram handle to share a long post, voicing her grief over the incident and condoling the loss of lives.
The stampede happened during a music tech festival. The four deceased persons were identified as Athul Thambi, native of Koothatukulam; Ann Ruftha from North Paravur; Sara Thomas from Thamarraserry; and Alwin Thaikattusherry.
All three are second-year students except for Alwin, who is not a student at CUSAT.
According to the police, 16 injured people have been discharged from the hospital so far.Ministers P Rajeev and R Bindu visited the site of the incident on Sunday morning.
Kerala's Higher Education Minister, R Bindu directed the principal secretary of higher education and the varsity's vice chancellor to submit their inquiry reports on the incident.
An eyewitness to the whole situation at the university, Jalsan says, "This happened around 6.50 p.m. When I arrived here, three to four students were taken to the hospital. It was drizzling. Students rushed in through the only entrance and due to steep steps, they fell over each other, leading to a stampede.
"The officials also informed that the mortal remains of the deceased will be kept for the public to pay obeisance at the CUSAT campus after the post-mortem. (ANI)