The tragic death of a boy from uncovered electric wires at Kalkaji Temple during Navratri has prompted serious safety concerns. An FIR has been filed for negligence, with the Delhi High Court demanding accountability from the temple’s management. The court ordered reports on safety measures and scheduled a follow-up hearing for December 6.
New Delhi: The tragic death of a young boy due to an uncovered electric wire at Kalkaji Temple has raised serious concerns about safety and management at the religious site. Today, om 9th October, the Delhi Police informed the Delhi High Court that an FIR has been registered under the section related to death caused by negligence. The incident, which occurred during the Navratri festivities, has brought the temple’s management practices under scrutiny, with the court calling for immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
FIR Registered and Investigation Underway
Standing counsel for Delhi Police, Sanjay Lau, submitted a status report to the court, confirming that a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed in the case. “An investigation is ongoing, and a charge sheet will be submitted within a month,” Lau informed the court. The FIR has been registered under charges related to death caused by negligence, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In addition to the deceased boy, other devotees were also injured due to the uncovered electric wires at the temple complex. Lau emphasized that while the wires have since been covered, the responsibility for such hazards lies with the temple’s management committee and baridars, who are tasked with ensuring the safety of visitors.
Court Demands Accountability and Action
Justice Prathiba M Singh, who is presiding over the case, expressed concern over the recurring nature of such incidents at the temple. “Our concern is that it should not be repeated in the future. It happened last year as well. Baridars have to take responsibility, they can’t shy away,” Justice Singh said, pointing to the lack of accountability in previous cases.
The court further questioned whether the family of the deceased had been compensated, to which Advocate Dhruv Gupta, representing Mahant Surendra Nath, stated that he would need to take instructions on the matter.
Management Failures Highlighted
The court’s scrutiny extended to the temple’s overall management, particularly during large events like Navratri. Justice Singh noted that every year, the court has to issue directions for proper crowd management, reflecting the temple’s ongoing struggles with ensuring visitor safety. “A similar incident had occurred last year also,” the judge remarked, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions.
The High Court was also informed that Mahant Surendra Nath is the current baridar responsible for the temple’s management. The court directed him to submit a report detailing the steps taken to manage the crowds and ensure safety during the Navratri event.
Action Taken Report Ordered
The Delhi Police has been asked to file an Action Taken Report after submitting the charge sheet within a month. The High Court also instructed Mahant Surendra Nath to provide a report on the measures implemented for crowd control and overall safety at the temple.
The matter has been listed for hearing on December 6, when the court will review the reports from both the police and the temple management.
Safety Concerns Amidst Redevelopment
Kalkaji Temple, one of Delhi’s most popular religious sites, is currently undergoing redevelopment. An administrator had been appointed by the High Court three years ago to oversee the management during this process. However, with no administrator in place at the moment, concerns about the temple’s safety protocols have intensified.
The tragic death at Kalkaji Temple has underscored the need for stringent safety measures and accountability in places of public worship. As the investigation progresses, the court’s directives aim to ensure that such incidents do not recur, safeguarding the lives of thousands of devotees who visit the temple regularly.
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