Responding to the tragedy that struck the State on Sunday Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said: “I’ve asked the DGP and chief secretary to reach Datia district. I have announced an immediate relief of Rs 1.5 lakh to the next of kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured. We are closely monitoring the situation and relief work from Bhopal.” Chouhan has also ordered a judicial enquiry into the incident. While rescue operations are on, Chouhan has appealed to the people to remain calm.
Meanwhile, in New Delhi President Pranab Mukherjee expressed profound grief and shock over the loss of lives in the stampede. The President called upon the authorities concerned to provide all possible help to the bereaved families and medical assistance to the injured, an official release said. Congress president Sonia Gandhi also expressed ‘shock and deep anguish’ over the deaths.