Jammu- A court in Jammu and Kashmir has sought an action taken report from the police on a complaint seeking registration of a case against officials of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for alleged criminal negligence. This negligence led to the death of 34 pilgrims due to landslides on the way to the cave shrine in Reasi district in August.
On August 26, a cloudburst triggered a landslide on the pilgrimage route of Adhkwari in the Trikuta hills, killing 34 people and injuring 20. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had constituted a three-member committee on August 29 to probe the causes of the landslide.
In an order on Thursday, Sub-Judge Katra, Siddhant Vaid said, “Since more than one and a half months have passed since the filing of this application, before resorting to the provisions of Section 175(4) of the Indian Civil Security Code, I consider it appropriate to seek an action taken report from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, and SHO, Bhawan Police Station.”
The court further noted that under Section 175(3) of the BNSS, a Magistrate can order an inquiry before directing an inquiry after considering the application and submissions of the police.
The complaint filed by Rohit Bali has sought an FIR against the CEO of SMVDSB and other officials under Sections 105 (unintentional murder) and 106 (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code and other relevant provisions, Who are accused of neglecting their duty.
The complaint has alleged that despite warnings of heavy rains and flash floods on August 25-26, the CEO of the board and other officials failed to stop the Vaishno Devi Yatra or issue any advisory.