7 women die in Bihar temple stampede; Shah, Bihar CM express grief

Expressing condolences to the families of those who died in a stampede near the Ashok Dham temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the local administration is providing all possible treatment to the injured in the "extremely tragic incident".

In a message on X, Shah said the incident at Ashok Dham is extremely tragic.

"I express my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in this accident. The local administration is providing all possible treatment to the injured. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said.

Seven women devotees died and 14 people were injured in a stampede near the Ashok Dham temple on Monday, officials said. The incident occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at Ashok Dham Halt railway station, which is a short walk from the temple.

The pilgrims had gathered there to offer water to Lord Shiva at the temple in the holy month of Shravan.

Five of the seven deceased have been identified as Manimala Devi, Tinku Devi, Hemlata Devi, Lalita Devi, and Sarita.

Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar told PTI, "At least seven women devotees died, and 14 others were injured in the stampede near Ashok Dham Halt railway station in Lakhisarai at 6:30 am on Monday."

Rescue work was underway, and the injured were being taken to the nearest government hospital, Kumar said.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the deaths of devotees in the stampede and announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to the kin of each deceased.