Narrow escape for Social Welfare Minister as car wheel comes off
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Hans India
25-07-2025
- Hans India
Govt orders action against two officials after judicial probe
Tirupati: The State Cabinet which met in Amaravati on Thursday has decided to act against two officials held responsible for the stampede that claimed six lives during the Vaikunta Ekadasi token distribution in Tirupati earlier this year. The move comes after a detailed judicial inquiry report revealed critical lapses in crowd control at a key token distribution site. The stampede, which occurred on January 8 at Sri Padmavati Park, one of the designated centres for issuing Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tokens, had triggered public outcry over mismanagement and poor safety planning by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and local police. The tragedy also left several devotees injured and raised questions about the preparedness of the authorities. Following months of investigation, a one-man judicial commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice Satyanarayana Murthy submitted a comprehensive 200-page report to the government earlier this month. The report scrutinised the chain of events leading to the stampede, pinpointing procedural lapses and administrative negligence at Padmavati Park. According to the findings, while general coordination between Tirupati Urban SP L Subbarayudu and former TTD Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CVSO) S Sreedhar was found to be satisfactory, with both implementing safety measures at most distribution points – the failure to enforce crowd control protocols specifically at Padmavati Park was the root cause of the incident. The report singles out the then SV Dairy Farm Director Harinath Reddy and DSP AV Ramana Kumar for ignoring directives from their superiors and ordering the gates to be opened prematurely. This action, the inquiry noted, led to an uncontrollable rush of devotees, resulting in the fatal stampede. It was learnt that the Cabinet recommended further proceedings against these two officials. Alarmingly, the Commission also highlighted shortcomings in emergency response. Although two ambulances were present at the location, they were not used efficiently to transport the injured. Five of the six deaths were reportedly due to delayed medical attention, raising further concerns over crisis preparedness. In course of the probe, the commission summoned TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao, District Collector S Venkateswar, former JEO M Gowthami, former SP L Subbarayudu and other officials both from the government and TTD. The commission also took note of the views of those injured in the stampede and the kin of the deceased.
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- The Hindu
Kerala Cabinet to decide on new State Police Chief on Monday
The State Cabinet is set to decide on the next State Police Chief during a special meeting on Monday. The final decision will be made from a shortlist of three senior police officers, Nitin Agrawal, Ravada A. Chandrashekhar, and Yogesh Gupta, who have been recommended by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Having generated considerable anticipation, the race for the top position is reportedly tipped in favour of Mr. Chandrasekhar. Koothuparamba firing The officer, who is currently Special Director at the Intelligence Bureau, expressed his interest in the position during a recent meeting with the Chief Minister. However, his appointment may face political opposition, considering his involvement in the Koothuparamba firing incident in 1994, in which five Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activists were killed and six injured. The subject could become a delicate issue for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], despite the Kerala High Court having had quashed the murder charges framed against him and other officials in 2012. The government also explored the possibility of appointing an officer from outside the UPSC's shortlisted list like Director General of Police (DGP) Manoj Abraham or Additional DGP M.R. Ajith Kumar. But, the idea has been generally discouraged, considering the legal implications and judicial scrutiny such a decision could invite. The incumbent State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb will retire on Monday after two years in office. His farewell parade will be held at the Special Armed Police (SAP) parade ground in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by an official farewell ceremony at the State Police Headquarters. Laurels for officers On Sunday, Mr. Saheb presented the Badge of Honour and Commendation Discs for outstanding contributions at a ceremony held here. As many as 219 police officers were honoured for excelling in various aspects, including case investigation, law and order management, intelligence gathering, administration, human trafficking control, traffic regulation, training, cybercrime prevention, fingerprint collection, social policing, railway police and coastal police. While 164 officers were awarded the Badge of Honour, 49 others from the Armed Police Battalion received Commendation Discs. Additionally, six officers from the ministerial category received Commendation Certificates.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- The Hindu
Narrow escape for Social Welfare Minister as car wheel comes off
Minister for Social Welfare Adluri Laxman Kumar had a narrow escape after one of the wheels of the car in which he was travelling came off at Maruthinagar village in Metpalli mandal of Jagtial district on Saturday evening. Sources said that the incident occurred when the minister's car was on its way to Korutla town. The minister later reached Korutla in another car. He participated in a felicitation ceremony organised to honour him on his maiden visit to the town after being inducted into the State Cabinet. Earlier in the day, the minister visited the Social Welfare Residential School at Kalluru road and handed over the sanction letters to 191 beneficiaries of the Indiramma Housing Scheme at a meeting held in Buggaram mandal headquarters town.
