2 dead, 20 hurt as Mayawati rally ends in stampede

Lucknow: Two women were killed and at least 20 people injured in a stampede that took place after the BSP rally at the Kanshi Ram Memorial in Lucknow on Sunday.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to the kin of the deceased women and free treatment for the injured persons.

The BSP has also announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the kin of the deceased. The incident took place after Ms Mayawati had left the rally venue.

According to reports, a few people coming down the stairs at one of the two gates, slipped and fell on each other which led to the stampede. One of the deceased has been identified as  Shanti Devi, 68, of Bijnore while the other victim remains unidentified.

Eye witnesses also claimed that a rumour of a live power line having snapped at the rally ground triggered the stampede. Ambulances were unable to access the area due to the movement of the crowds and it took more than an hour before the injured persons could be rushed to a local hospital.

Ms Mayawati blamed the incident on the ‘poor police arrangements’ made by the Akhilesh government while state BSP president Ram Achal Rajbhar said the women died due to humidity and heat. It may be recalled that in 2002, at least 12 party workers died and 22 injured at the stampede that occurred at the Charbagh Railway station after a BSP rally in Lucknow.