Gwalior temple accident: CSP removed, 8 cops suspended in tragedy that killed 15
New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered the removal of the City Superintendent of Police (CSP) and suspension of eight police personnel over alleged negligence after a truck accident killed 15 people near Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior.
Yadav also ordered a detailed investigation to fix responsibility. The suspended personnel include three station house officers, a traffic inspector, a head constable and three constables.
Police face action
The chief minister said authorities would review security arrangements to prevent similar incidents.
“The safety of all citizens is paramount. To prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future, the security arrangements will be reviewed and necessary steps taken. No negligence will be tolerated at any level in public safety,” he said on X.
Truck hits devotees
The accident occurred around 1.30 am on Sunday as devotees gathered at the temple for Saptami. At least 27 people suffered injuries, police said. Gwalior Superintendent of Police Dharamveer Yadav said police stopped the paddy-laden truck at a barricade as it approached from the Chinor side. The driver lost control on a slope, and the vehicle hit roadside stalls and devotees.
The truck broke through the barricades and crashed into the temple’s entrance gate. A section of the gateway wall collapsed and trapped several people beneath the debris. Police said five to six prasad stalls suffered damage. Rescue teams and police reached the site and pulled people from beneath the collapsed wall.
Mechanical failure suspected
SP Yadav said preliminary findings suggested a mechanical failure caused the driver to lose control. Police arrested truck owner Mohit Singh and driver Dilbag Singh.
“On the occasion of Saptami, a large crowd from Gwalior and surrounding districts had gathered at the temple late on (Saturday) night. In view of the crowd, entry of heavy vehicles was restricted,” Yadav said.
Compensation for families
The chief minister announced Rs 4 lakh for each bereaved family, Rs 2 lakh for each seriously injured person and Rs 50,000 for others injured.
“All the injured will receive free treatment. The affected families are from Gwalior, Shivpuri, and Sheopur,” he said on X.
The Prime Minister’s Office separately announced Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for each bereaved family and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.