Negligence Allegations Emerge as Tragedy Strikes Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage

A Jammu and Kashmir court seeks an action-taken report from police after a fatal landslide during the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in August claimed 34 lives. Alleged negligence from Shrine Board officials in halting the yatra despite warnings is under scrutiny, with calls for an FIR against them.

A Jammu and Kashmir court has demanded an action-taken report from the police in response to a complaint against Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board officials. The complaint alleges criminal negligence led to 34 deaths during an August landslide en route to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

The catastrophic landslide occurred on August 26 at Adhkuwari, triggered by a cloudburst, leaving 34 dead and 20 injured. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha convened a three-member committee days later to investigate the disaster's underlying causes.

The petition, filed by Rohit Bali, insists on an FIR over the Shrine Board's alleged failure to act on warnings of adverse weather. Despite the complainant's efforts, the court is now pressing for clarity on the police's response to these allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)