Clash breaks out in Amrtisar

A clash broke out between protesters and the Amritsar police on Sunday after cops attempted to clear the railway track of angry people who had been squatting, seeking action against the organisers of the Dusherra event that resulted in the deaths of many.

Angry residents, who resisted every move for trains to ply on the route, pelted stones at the police, injuring one policeman. later, the police drove them away.

The organisers fled the scene fearing action and outburst of anger from families of the deceased. At least 61 people died in the mishap.

Meanwhile, as the holy city of Amritsar comes to terms with the humongous scale of the tragedy, the authorities are still trying to identify at least 10 bodies that were disfigured beyond recognition.

Wailing families holding pictures of their loved ones are also unable to claim the bodies as they are unsure of the identity. Some of these bodies have only severed limbs left in the mortuaries.

It has now come to light that the absconding organisers of the event had in fact taken permission from the police, albeit it came with several riders and was subject to the other mandatory permissions.

The organisers ignored almost all crucial terms and conditions of the permission granted by the police, including one which asked them to seek approval of the local municipal corporation. Had the local municipal corporation been approached, permission would have been denied as the venue was too close to the railway tracks.