A stampede-like incident unfolded at JSCA Stadium during the final of the Jharkhand Premier League Final on Tuesday, resulting in injuries to several spectators. Irfan Ansari appealed to the public to remain calm, stating that the Health Department was swiftly mobilised as soon as reports of the injuries surfaced.
In a post on X, Ansari said ambulances were immediately dispatched to the stadium, while hospitals were put on alert to ensure quick medical assistance for those injured. He also said necessary directions had been issued to the Civil Surgeon and other concerned officials.
“As soon as reports came in of some people being injured during the final T-20 match of the Jharkhand Premier League (JPL) at JSCA Stadium, I have immediately activated the Health Department. Necessary instructions have been issued to the Civil Surgeon and relevant officials.”
“Ambulances have reached the spot, and all the injured are being provided with prompt medical assistance. Hospitals have also been alerted for the better treatment of the injured,” he said.
Irfan Ansari further stated that he was personally overseeing the situation and assured that all required measures were being taken to ensure proper treatment and relief for those affected.
“I myself am continuously monitoring the situation, and the Health Department is fully engaged in relief and treatment efforts with utmost readiness. There is no need to panic; arrangements are being ensured for the proper treatment of all the injured,” he said.
Free Entry Crowd Surge Sparks Unrest At JPL Final
According to officials, a much larger-than-expected crowd turned up at the stadium, largely because entry to the Jharkhand Premier League Final was free. As the number of spectators swelled, authorities shut the stadium gates, which sparked unrest among people waiting outside.
Some spectators reportedly tried to scale the gates and boundary walls to gain entry, causing chaos and a stampede-like situation. Those injured in the incident were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Senior police officials, including Rakesh Ranjan, arrived at the stadium, while additional police forces were deployed to bring the situation under control. Speaking to reporters, Ranjan said the incident occurred due to heavy crowd pressure near the entry gate.
“Only one gate was open for public entry, which caused a sudden surge in the crowd. The slow pace of security frisking led to significant pressure from the public outside, and the crowd became unruly for a brief period. We stepped in and brought the situation under control,” he said.
He further said that four to five people sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment. “The situation is now calm and under control,” he stated. However, eyewitnesses alleged that poor crowd management and inadequate arrangements at the venue contributed to the incident.
“The arrangements were absolutely poor. What was the point of opening only two gates when it was the final? All the gates should have been opened. The general public suffered a lot. People even started jumping over the wall to enter the match,” one eyewitness told ANI.
Another eyewitness alleged that there was inadequate administrative control during the incident.
“There was no administration. My purse was stolen. A young girl’s leg also probably got fractured. People lost their shoes and slippers. People were even jumping over the wall to get in,” the eyewitness said.
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