RAJAHMUNDRY: Chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a judicial inquiry into the stampede in which 27 pilgrims died at Pushkara Ghat on the first day of Godavari Maha Pushkarams (GMP). The government also issued an order in this regard.
Addressing a media conference at Sri Venkateswara Anam Kala Kendram here on Tuesday, minister for public relations Palle Raghunatha Reddy said that the stampede had occurred because of unexpected crowds. Everyone came to Pushkara Ghat for a holy dip on the first day with a sentiment.
After taking bath, seeing the crowd, the chief minister went to control room and alerted the officials but unfortunately the incident happened, the minister averred.
The government was not hiding anything and after a judicial inquiry the officials reponsible for the incident would be punished.
APCC chief N Raghuveera Reddy and YSRC president YS Jaganmohan Reddy were criticising chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu to get political mileage and tarnish the image of the government, which was not correct at this juncture.
State government media advisor Parakala Prabhakar was present.