The eagerly awaited event, intended to create enduring campus memories, transformed into a nightmare for many students who attended the tragedy-stricken Tech Fest at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) on Saturday. The incident, which left the entire state in sorrow, has prompted individuals, particularly event organizers, to reassess security and safety protocols at venues.

Many students found it difficult to hold back their tears as the mortal remains of the three students who died in the stampede were placed out on campus for public homage.

However, the tragedy has unveiled a range of issues that extend beyond a mere accident in the state. Questions about the circumstances leading to the accident, responsibility for the incident, potential preventive measures, and the necessary actions to avert such incidents all demand careful consideration and answers.

What happened in Cusat?

The tragedy, a stampede, unfolded on Saturday evening in the open-air auditorium of the CUSAT campus hosting a music concert featuring singer Nikhita Gandhi, scheduled as part of the ongoing tech fest 'Dhishna.'

Apart from CUSAT students, outsiders also came to see the performance. There were more people than the open-air auditorium could hold, but most of them were outside the auditorium.

Only those with ID cards and wearing T-shirts of 'Dhishna' were allowed inside. They were granted entry through the sole entrance to the auditorium, with the students exercising full control over the admission process.

Just beyond the gate lies a steep downward step. The tragic incident that shook the country occurred at six o'clock. As a drizzle fell, those outside hurried towards the gate to gain entry to the auditorium.

As individuals started descending the stairs after entering through the gate, people from behind began to fall, resulting in a chaotic stampede. 

A voice recording from an injured student indicates that the accident may have been caused by a mistake made by the organizers. The student remarked, "It is a program that anyone can listen to. The organisers distributed the T-shirts only to those who contributed funds to the tech fest. Despite the presence of 14,000 people, only those wearing the T-shirts were allowed in. The gate remained closed, not opening until half-past six. The rain had no impact on the situation. It is the fault of those who organised the event." 

Kochi DCP K.S Sudarshan said that the police were not given a written intimation about the event organised in CUSAT. For the past few weeks, police had been patrolling the area due to skirmishes between students. However, the organisers have not submitted a formal application for the conduct of the event, police said. However, since the programme was conducted within the campus, no permission from the police is required. Nevertheless, he added that there were lapses on the part of the organisers as far as the conduct of the programme was concerned.

Will it happen again?

Beyond accusations and disputes, it is imperative for authorities to take positive steps to prevent the recurrence of such accidents in the future. The news of ongoing discussions on this matter brings a sense of relief amid the profound sadness.

The state police chief has stated that guidelines will be issued to be followed during the organization of similar events. It is essential to establish a robust system that addresses any loopholes, ensuring that another incident like the one at Cusat is averted in the future.