March 15, 2002

'33'

STATEMENT BY RAKSHA MANTRI IN LOK SABHA ON THE INCIDENT AT RECRUITMENT RALLY AT LUCKNOW ON 14^TH MARCH 2002

    Following is the statement by the Defence Minister, Shri George Fernandes, at Lok Sabha today on the incident at Recruitment Rally at Lucknow on 14^th Mar 2002: -

    A recruitment rally had been scheduled in Lucknow Cantonment Area from 13^th March 2002 to 31^st March 2002. On 14^th March 2002, about 5,000 young men had assembled at the Cantonment area for the recruitment rally. At approximately 0600 hours over 100 of these young men who had also come to participate in the recruitment rally, were sitting on the concrete roof of a sewage tank, waiting for the rally activities to begin.

    Probably due to the overload, the sewage tank roof collapsed and several young men fell into the tank. Prompt rescue and relief operations were launched to save the victims. 21 dead bodies have been recovered. Three injured young men are under treatment in Command Hospital.

    The tragic incident triggered off mob violence by the large crowds, which had gathered for the recruitment rally. Police reinforcements had to be rushed to the site to control the situation. The situation had been controlled by the police and the mod had been dispersed from the cantonment area by afternoon. The mod had also damaged some civil vehicles in the civil area adjoining the cantonment.

    Honourable Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 1 Lakh each to the families of those who have died in this tragic accident. In addition, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 1 Lakh each to the families of those who have died, Rs. 25,000 each to those who are severely injured and Rs. 5,000 each to those who have received minor injuries.

    A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by the Central Command into this unfortunate incident.