TV
A surge of enthusiastic cricket fans at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium has led to tumultuous scenes as the crowd jostled for tickets. There were scenes of chaos, causing a stampede-like situation as eager cricket fans gathered in large numbers to buy tickets for the upcoming India vs England match.
Irate locals blamed the administration for insufficient facilities for the people. The widespread chaos was attributed to poor exit management that resulted in crowd control issues. After repeated complaints, police had to cut down the bamboo barricades to create an emergency exit.
“We are requesting them for water, but there is no drinking water provision here. At least four-five persons had to be hospitalised, but they are not providing drinking water. So many people are standing in the queue, but the arrangements are unsatisfactory,” alleged a cricket fan.
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Another man standing in the queue said, “I have been standing in the queue since last evening 6 PM. However, OCA has failed to make the necessary arrangements. There is no entry and exit point. People are coming out and going on in one point that has led to the chaos.”
On being informed, local police led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), rushed to the stadium to bring the situation under control. The DCP along with several platoon forces was placed on high alert to monitor the situation closely and ensure public safety. Efforts are underway to improve the ticketing process to prevent any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, officials have appealed to the public to remain calm and patient during the ticket-purchasing process. They emphasised the importance of maintaining order to ensure everyone's safety and security.
When contacted, Cuttack DCP Jagmohan Meena said, “The ticket sale has been sped up so that people can exit soon. Efforts is on to clear the area within half an hour. I appeal to all the people to be patient. They have been queuing outside since midnight. We have also requested water supply for all the people standing in the queue.”
