ERNAKULAM: After the tragic stampede that claimed four lives at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kochi yesterday, the Ernakulam district Police Commissioner stated that the University authorities hadn’t sought permission from the police for the music concert.
However, University Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr. PG Sankaran clarified that the University authorities had informed the police. He added that the university authorities had verbally notified the police about the music concert by popular singer Nikhita Gandhi.
The VC also mentioned that six police personnel were present during the incident.
He added that the music concert was part of the University’s annual festival called ‘Dhishna,’ following a similar format as in previous years.
The VC Sankaran added that this year ‘Dhishna’ the three days annual tech festival was hosting after 3 years gap. The tech fest had last been hosted in 2020 and was not held during the Covid pandemic. Therefore, this time, the students organized it with even greater enthusiasm as a revival, resulting in a larger number of participants for each program.
The VC highlighted that the rush of people eager to attend the program led to the tragedy. He explained that sudden rain disrupted the arrangements, causing those waiting outside to push into the auditorium. All arrangements were managed by student volunteers. Amidst the rush, individuals pushed against each other, causing some to fall due to the steep steps, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.
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