Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a much-awaited verdict, the Indore District Court has acquitted Sevaram Gokuldas Galani and Murli Teumal, the president and secretary of the Shri Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple Trust, in connection with the devastating stepwell (Bawdi) collapse that claimed 36 lives during Ram Navami on March 30, 2023.
The court's decision sharply criticised the Juni Indore Police for their flawed investigation, particularly their failure to hold municipal corporation officials accountable. The court highlighted the corporation's responsibility in maintaining public safety and infrastructure, a duty they seemingly neglected.
Galani and Teumal were arrested on March 22, 2024, and charged with culpable homicide and other related offences. They had remained in custody until this verdict. The advocate representing the acquitted individuals argued that the police’s investigation was biased.
A magisterial inquiry preceded the police charge sheet, yet only the trust officials were targeted, while municipal authorities escaped scrutiny. Testimony from 33 witnesses supported the defence, indicating no negligence on the part of the trust leaders.
The court expressed strong disapproval of the investigating officers' and municipal authorities' carelessness. The police were rebuked for their incomplete investigation, and the trust officials were deemed not liable, as they were unaware of the stepwell's existence.
The court noted that the Ram Navami gathering was not organised by the trust, but rather a spontaneous religious observance due to the festival.
Background
The tragic incident occurred when a floor covering the ancient stepwell within the temple premises collapsed under the weight of devotees. The court's verdict raises serious questions about accountability and the handling of the investigation, leaving the families of the 36 victims seeking answers.
