Gwalior Horror: CM Axes CSP, Suspends 8 Cops After 14 Die in Truck Crash
MP CM Mohan Yadav removes CSP and suspends 8 police staff after a truck crash near Sheetla Mata Temple killed 14 people in Gwalior.
In a swift crackdown on administrative failure, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered the immediate removal of a City Superintendent of Police (CSP) and the suspension of eight other police personnel. The drastic action follows a catastrophic Gwalior truck accident near the Sheetla Mata Temple that claimed 14 lives, sparking outrage over alleged security lapses.
High-Level Crackdown on Police Negligence
Taking a stern view of the tragedy, CM Mohan Yadav announced via a post on X that public safety is paramount and negligence will not be tolerated at any level. To ensure accountability, the state government has not only shifted the CSP from his current posting but has also suspended several other officers, including:
- Three Station House Officers (SHOs)
- One Traffic Inspector
- One Head Constable
- Three Constables
The Chief Minister has ordered a comprehensive investigation to fix responsibility and ensure that those found guilty face strict action. He further emphasized that security arrangements across the region will be reviewed to prevent such horrific incidents from recurring.
The Midnight Tragedy: What Happened?
The accident occurred around 1:30 am on Sunday, turning a spiritual gathering into a scene of carnage. A truck heavily loaded with paddy, reportedly traveling from the Chhinor direction, lost control while descending a steep slope.
In a terrifying sequence of events, the vehicle allegedly smashed through police barricades and a designated checkpoint before plowing into a crowd of devotees gathered near the Sheetla Mata Temple. The truck's rampage only ended after it ran over pilgrims and crashed into the temple's outer wall and gate.
Devastating Toll and Casualties
Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan confirmed that the death toll has reached 14. The victims include:
- 10 men
- 2 women
- 2 children under the age of 18
Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police Dharmveer Singh reported that 39 people were rushed to the hospital. Among the injured were two police personnel who were on duty at the checkpoint at the time of the crash. While many have been discharged, three to four individuals remain in critical condition.
Outrage and Official Response
The tragedy has left the victims' families in a state of fury. Allegations have surfaced regarding police negligence and a delayed rescue response, with many questioning how a speeding truck managed to breach a police checkpoint installed specifically for the Navratri festivities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep grief over the loss of lives. To support the bereaved families, the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) has announced an ex-gratia payment of:
- Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person.
- Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
The district administration is currently conducting a detailed probe into the circumstances that led to the breach of security and the subsequent loss of life.