The slide presents the case of stampede occured in Patna, Bihar (India) and how Crisis Communication, which is an important aspect of Public Relations is done.

1. PATNA DUSSEHRA STAMPEDE
Crisis Communication
Team Members:
Neha Shetty
Manisha Tripathi
Saumya Singh
Kshitij Shrimali
Nishant Dalwadi

2. The case
The “Patna
Dussehra
Stampede” is a
one of the many
cases of stampede.
Sadly most of such
stampedes and
deaths have been
caused because of
some random
rumour. The
diagram shows the
no. of deaths
through stampedes
over the last 10
years.

3. Background of the Case
 The incident took place in Bihar’s capital Patna, at the
famous Gandhi Maidan. Bihar’s C.M Jitan Ram Manji
was also present at this event where people watched an
arrow setting the 60 feet tall effigy of Ravan into flames.
 Tragedy occurred when people in huge numbers were
returning after watching the “Ravan Vadh” ceremony.
 CCTV footages show that stampede occurred at the gate
near Ram Ghoolan Chowk as hordes of people started to
exit the grounds after Dussehra celebrations at around
6:40 p.m. There was no light in the area too.

4. Background (contd.)
 The stampede claims to have killed at least 32
people, mostly women and children. There were
around 5-6 children and around 20 women amongst
the dead.
 The toll of deaths reached 33 people when one
injured succumbed to death the next day in the
hospital.
 There were around 29 people injured who were
taken to Patna Medical College and Hospital
(PMCH) said Patna DM Manish Kumar Verma.

5. Background (contd.)
 Out of them 17 were women and 12 were men said
Principal Secretary Home Amir Subhani with
Additional Director General of Police Gupteshwar
Pandey. Out of these 29, 4 are estimated to be
critically injured.
 Patna Medical College and Hospital'a (PMCH)
Deputy Superintendent Sudhanshu Singh said 32
people died in the stampede--20 women, 10 children
and two men. Seven girls were among the 10 child
victims, he said, adding 26 people were injured and
receiving treatment.

6. Background (contd.)
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Bihar C.M
to inquire about the stampede. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh
each to the next of kin of those killed.
 Bihar C.M has announced Rs.3 lakh to the next of
the kin of the dead.

7. Background (Cause)
 Eyewitnesses said the stampede was sparked by rumours
that a live high tension wire had snapped and fallen on
ground triggering panic. However, there was no official
confirmation of the exact cause of the stampede.
 Slippers, shoes and footwear lay strewn on a one-km
stretch at the stampede site as people tried to flee from
the scene.The PMCH has been cordoned off by the
security forces.
 Hundreds of people were milling around the PMCH,
some of them wailing, trying to locate their near and dear
ones who got separated in the event. Several ambulances
were seen going inside the PMCH carrying stampede
victims.

8. Problem involved
 Controversy:Jitan Ram Manjhi-led JD(U)
Government is in the dock for its administrative
inefficiency not only from its political adversaries but
also from the JD(U)’s new alliance partner, the RJD.
 Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad kicked up a
controversy when he said that the Centre was ready to
send a team of doctors but the Chief Minister had refused
help.
 . "Why were proper arrangements not made? If the
allegation is true that only one gate was open, why it is
so? If people say that there was no light, why it is so? I
think this is a very elementary accountability which the
state government has to explain“ said Ravi Shankar
Prasad.

9. Problems (contd.)
 RJD president Lalu Prasad said that the stampede at
Gandhi Maidan appears to be a result of
administrative "lapse" and expressed dismay over
the administration's inability to make foolproof
arrangements despite several unpleasant incidents in
the past at the grounds in the heart of the capital.
 Ironically, this was the same ground where six
people died due to bomb blasts in a BJP rally last
year.

10. Promblems (contd.)
 The District Magistrate of Patna, Manish Verma, was removed from
his post two days after this incident.
 The Commissioner of Patna, N. Vijaylakshmi too has been
transferred for allegedly failing to ensure that all the arrangements
worked at the grounds – from gates to lightning, before allowing the
programme.
 Security arrangements too were reportedly found to be inadequate.
 Members of the crowd near the Gandhi Maidan, razed down a
traffic post venting their anger at the police. A PTI reporter saw the
crowd venting their ire by razing down the post on South-East side
of the Gandhi Maidan en route to Exhibition Road, burning tyres
and raising slogans against the police at around 10 PM. Senior
police officials with anti-riot vehicles rushed to the spot and
managed to control the protesters.

11. Development of solution
 Rumours state that a live high tension wire had
snapped and fallen on ground triggering panic.
Another rumour sparked was that of a possible bomb
in the venue.
 These causes developed the situation of stampede.
But no definitive cause could be found.

12. Analysis of Solution
 Various news media reported the situations like TOI,
The Indian Express, The Economic Times, DNA,
Ahmedabad Mirror, The Hindu, etc reported this
incident.
 This news was also flashed on many regional and
national channels. The poor arrangements received a
lot of criticism from media and they indeed shared
the opinions similar to theirs by the people. Various
statements said by noted politicians like Lalu Prasad
Yadav and Ravi Shankar Prasad on Bihar C.M’s
management were also matters of controversies.

13. Damage Control
 The part were P.R can prove to be helpful is when a Press
Conference between officials and media can be held.
 It needs to be communicated and stressed upon that
proper medical facilities are given to people injured in
the stampede.
 The matter of ex-gratia offered also need to be told and
there needs to be an assurance given for the same.
 It should also be assured that the problems of
arrangement and police management are not going to be
repeated. The matter the DSP was suspended within two
day’s time shows the seriousness with which they are
dealing this issue.

14. Sources
 Times of India
 Indian Express
 DNA
 The Hindu