Stampede at Godavari Pushkaralu has Chandrababu Naidu in tears

Rajahmundry: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu broke down in tears on Tuesday as he oversaw relief measured after the stampede at Rajahmundry. Mr Naidu rushed to the Rajahmundry Government General Hospital as soon as he was informed about the incident and consoled the injured and paid tributes to the deceased.

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He asked the concerned medical officials to ensure all necessary medical help for the injured. Speaking to the media at the hospital later, the CM rued that such a catastrophe had taken place under his administration. “This incident is very unfortunate. From the government’s side, Rs 10 lakh ex gratia will be given to the family members of the deceased.

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So far in my administration, such an incident has never happened,” said Mr Naidu. “Severe action will be taken against those responsible after the Pushkaralu ends. The government will also initiate a judicial inquiry into the incident,” he said. He suggested that devotees should use the other ghats like Kotilingala ghat, Gouthami ghat and Markhandeya ghat.

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