UP stampede: EC seeks report on saree distribution function

The Election Commission has sought a detailed report from the Uttar Pradesh government on a function in Lucknow where sarees were distributed on the occasion of senior BJP leader Lalji Tandon's birthday. At least 21 women were killed when a stampede broke out during the event.

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Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishna Murthy expressed anguish over the deaths.

He has asked Chief Secretary V K Diwan to immediately furnish a report on the programme.

The report will determine if the function and the compensation announced by the state government to the families of those killed and to the injured violated the model code of conduct.