ERNAKULAM: The three-member sub-committee of the University Syndicate has submitted the report on the CUSAT stampede that occurred on November 25 during the tech festival, to the University Vice Chancellor.
The report highlights a serious failure by CUSAT authorities in organizing the tech festival, specifically citing deficiencies in the CUSAT School of Engineering’s Principal and Registrar’s Office.
The University Syndicate has requested clarification from seven individuals, including teaching faculty members.
According to the report, the stampede resulted from organisational failures and a lack of expertise in crowd management. It is alleged that the Registrar’s Office neglected to seek police assistance for the event, even after a directive from the Principal.
The report also emphasizes the need to renovate the open-air auditorium (amphitheater) at CUSAT.
On November 25 (Saturday) around 7 pm over 1,500 individuals, including students from the campus and outsiders, had gathered at the CUSAT open-air auditorium to attend a music concert by popular singer Nikhita Gandhi. This concert was part of the University’s annual festival, known as ‘Dhishna,’ inaugurated on November 24th.
However, a sudden downpour disrupted all the arrangements, leading to people waiting outside pushing into the auditorium. Simultaneously, students inside rushed to exit, causing chaos as there was only one available gate. Amidst the commotion, individuals were pushed and fell due to the steep steps, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives.
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