Stampede at INS Hamla: Confusion caused ruckus, situation under control now, says Navy PRO

Indian Navy on Friday said that the stampede at the naval base near Mumbai broke out in the morning because security personnel was unable to control a large number of aspirants who turned up at the camp. 

 “There was a recruitment rally at INS Hamla, Malad, this morning for senior secondary recruits. We were expecting a good response from volunteers,” an official said.

“The response was overwhelming and crowd control created a bit of confusion in the early hours today (Sept 9), which was subsequently handled very efficiently by the local police and Navy officials,” he said.

“The recruitment drive is going on smoothly now,” the official added.

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Speaking to media, Navy PRO DH Sharma said that the stampede occurred after 60% of the people were called inside the gates. But that was just to control the crowd, he said.  

He added, “There was no intention of refusing other people. We will continue recruitment drive till the last man with requisite requirements is entertained.”

Earlier, eyewitness had said that there were at least 10,000 participants but barely any arrangments for food or water, which caused anger amongst the aspirants.