The Delhi police informed the Delhi High Court on Wednesday that they have registered an FIR regarding the death of a boy at the Kalkaji temple, which was attributed to an uncovered electric wire.
The police indicated that a charge sheet would be filed within a month. In response, the High Court requested the police to submit an Action Taken Report.
Justice Prathiba M. Singh acknowledged the status report filed by the police and an affidavit from Mahant Surendra Nath, who is responsible for the temple’s management.
Sanjay Lau, the standing counsel for the Delhi Police, reported that the FIR has been filed under sections related to death due to negligence.
He noted that multiple uncovered wires have now been addressed, and the incident occurred 15 meters from the main area, not 500 meters away, as previously stated.
Additionally, he mentioned that other devotees were injured during the incident.
The court inquired whether the family of the deceased had received any compensation, to which Advocate Dhruv Gupta, representing Mahant Surendra Nath, replied that he needed to consult on this matter.
Justice Singh expressed concern that such incidents should not recur, highlighting that a similar tragedy occurred last year. He emphasized that the management committee, or baridars, must take responsibility for ensuring safety.
The counsel for Mahant reassured the court that they were not avoiding their responsibilities. The High Court was also informed that demarcation at the temple complex had been completed. The police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and the charge sheet would be filed soon.
The High Court directed the police to submit an Action Taken Report following the filing of the charge sheet. The next hearing is scheduled for December 6.
On October 4, the court requested a status report from the Delhi police after taking notice of the boy’s death, which occurred due to the uncovered wire. It also sought a report from Mahant Surendra Nath regarding the management measures for the Navratri festival.
Justice Singh reiterated that previous incidents have necessitated yearly directions for better safety management.
Furthermore, the court noted that the baridar had failed to compensate the appointed administrator, and currently, no administrator is in place. The High Court confirmed that Mahant Surendra Nath is recognized as the baridar and directed him to report on the steps taken to manage the crowd at the temple.
A redevelopment project at Kalkaji Temple is ongoing, and an administrator was appointed by the court three years ago to oversee it.
