Forensic say ‘major mishap was averted’

MIDNAPORE(WESTBENGAL): A second canopy set up for the public during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally caved in and the boundary wall of the Midnapore College ground tilted on Tuesday evening when the venue was empty, indicating that a far bigger mishap could have taken place on Monday, when 90 people were injured.

Of the three canopies set up for the public meeting, one collapsed during Modi’s speech, leaving as many as 90 people injured.

A State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFCL) team that visited the spot on Tuesday morning indicated that there were multiple reasons for the mishap.

“The ground suffered marshy conditions due to the rains. Water accumulated on the roof, increasing the weight. The iron poles were driven to a depth of only three-four i nches i nto t he ground. Moreover, the rods were held in their place with iron plates (under the ground) with only one screw, while there were provisions for four. The last two points were crucial,” said C Sarkar, head of physics division of SFCL, after inspecting the spot.

Both tents collapsed largely due to the same reasons, he said.

“Shearing of bolts took place. There were two layers of plastic tarpaulins that were quite heavy.” Sarkar also collected samples of the rusty material.

West Midnapore police superintendent Alok Rajoria said the police have registered a case and are collecting CCTV footage.

Police sealed the venue for an investigation, with teams officers repeatedly visiting the ground Tuesday morning.

The mishap triggered a spat among leaders of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP state vice-president Biswapriya Roy Chowdhury, alleged that the policemen present at the venue “did not make any effort to prevent the supporters from climbing the poles”. “They stood like spectators. Naturally, some supporters climbed the structure for a look at the Prime Minister.”

State food and supplies minister Jyotipriyo Mullick hit back saying, “Did we appoint the contractor for the arrangements? Why blame the police if party leaders can’t control their men.”

Party’s West Midnapore district chief Ajit Maity said the rally was entirely “a BJP show”. “They made the arrangements, their workers assaulted policemen, and now they are blaming the police. This is ridiculous.”