The enquiry of the Justice Somayajulu Commission, which was appointed to enquire into stampede incident at Pushkara Ghat during Godavari Pushkarams in 2015 wrapped up the enquiry, on Thursday. The tenure of the commission would end on 29th of this month. Muppalla Subba Rao, who put his arguments on behalf the victims, told the commission that the chief minister was main reason for the stampede that took place on the inaugural day of Godavari Pushkarams and that East Godavari collector witnessed it.
He explained that the tragedy took place as the chief minister chose to take a dip in Pushkar ghat instead of VIP ghat. He further stated that the tragedy took place because the chief minister spent more than two hours in the ghat and the official machinery was busy in rendering services to the minister, ignoring the safety of pilgrims. Further, Muppalla said tourism department has made an agreement with the National Geographic Channel to the tune of Rs 64 lakh, he pointed out that the channel did not submit full length visual to the commission.
Due to the submission of edited visuals, he mentioned that the stampede visuals were not seen in the footage. Even the Information and Public Relations department failed to provide visuals, he added and claimed it as a cover up.Muppalla made it clear that the chief minister, district collector, SP and DM&HO should hold the responsibility for the stampede.