NEW DELHI: The investigation into the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station last Saturday is progressing rapidly, with a special inquiry team of two members reviewing statements from hundreds of people, including railway employees from various departments, according to officials in the railway ministry. Sources say the team is on track to finalise the investigation report at the earliest. The Ministry of Railways is reportedly preparing to take stern punitive action against those found responsible for the incident, regardless of their rank following the inquiry committee report.Officials stressed on prioritising accountability in the aftermath of the tragedy. However, a Railway Protection Force (RPF) officer report that surfaced in the media on Monday has caused ripples within the railway administration and contradicted claims made by top-ranking officials regarding the stampede. The report flags lapses in crowd control on Saturday, contributing to the tragedy.Speaking to this newspaper on Tuesday, a senior official said the RPF report came from a single officer and did not represent a formal inquiry.“The investigation into the stampede is moving quickly. The inquiry team, consisting of two members are expected to complete the report soon,” he said, pleading anonymity.A senior ministry official added that nearly 100 railway employees and others have recorded their statements since the inquiry began. “Notices have been issued to several more individuals and railway staff, including RPF members, to provide their testimonies, said the official.
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