Gwalior temple truck crash: CSP removed, eight police personnel suspended after 15 deaths

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered the removal of a City Superintendent of Police (CSP) from his post and the suspension of eight other police personnel following a truck accident near Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior that killed 15 people and injured 27 others.

Yadav has also ordered a detailed investigation to establish responsibility and ensure strict action against those found guilty of negligence.

In a post on X, the chief minister said instructions had been issued to remove the CSP immediately and suspend three station house officers, one traffic inspector, one head constable and three constables.

Taking a firm stand on public safety, Yadav said, “The safety of all citizens is paramount. To prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future, the security arrangements will be reviewed and necessary steps taken. No negligence will be tolerated at any level in public safety.”

Truck crashes into temple gate after hitting devotees

The accident occurred at around 1.30 am on Sunday, when a truck carrying paddy from the Chinor side was stopped by police at a barricade near the temple. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a slope, causing it to plough into roadside stalls and devotees before breaking through the barricades and crashing into the temple's entrance gate.

The impact caused a section of the gateway wall to collapse, trapping several people beneath the debris.

According to Gwalior Superintendent of Police Dharamveer Yadav, preliminary investigations indicated a possible mechanical failure that caused the driver to lose control.

“On the occasion of Saptami, a large crowd from Gwalior and surrounding districts had gathered at the temple late on Saturday night. In view of the crowd, entry of heavy vehicles was restricted,” the SP said.

Police said five to six prasad stalls were damaged in the incident and nearly 41 people were hit by the truck. Rescue teams and police personnel rushed to the spot and pulled out those trapped beneath the collapsed wall.

The truck's owner, Mohit Singh, and its driver, Dilbag Singh, were arrested.

CM announces compensation for victims' families

Yadav expressed grief over the deaths and announced financial assistance for the affected families.

The state government will provide Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased person, Rs 2 lakh to each seriously injured victim and Rs 50,000 to each of the other injured people.

“All the injured will receive free treatment. The affected families are from Gwalior, Shivpuri, and Sheopur,” the chief minister said on X.

“The news of the deaths of devotees in the truck accident that occurred in Gwalior is extremely heart-wrenching. In this hour of grief, the state government stands with all affected families. My condolences are with the families of all the deceased,” he added.

PM announces ex-gratia assistance

The Prime Minister's Office also expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the accident and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

In a post on X, the PMO said: “Distressed to learn about the loss of lives due to a mishap in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

The PMO announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each person who died in the accident. Those injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.

Probe ordered into alleged security lapses

The suspensions and removal order follow allegations of negligence in the arrangements made to manage the heavy crowds visiting Sheetla Mata Temple for Saptami.

Although the entry of heavy vehicles had reportedly been restricted because of the gathering, the truck entered the area and struck devotees and stalls before crashing into the temple gate.

Yadav has directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry, fix responsibility and take strict action against those found culpable. He also said security arrangements would be reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.