JAMMU, Dec. 21 -- A local court in Katra on Saturday attributed the death of 34 Vaishno Devi pilgrims to natural disaster and absolved the chief executive officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and other officials of any criminal negligence on their part.

At least 34 pilgrims were killed and scores injured near Ardhkuwari on August 26 in a landslide during heavy rains.

"From the perusal of allegations alleged in the complaint, statements recorded by the police, police report and annexures annexed with the record, it is very much clear that the proximate and immediate cause of the unfortunate incident was natural disaster," observed Sidhant Vaid, sub-judge/judicial magistrate first class, Katra, in his ruling on Saturday.

Va...