Eight dead in Bihar temple stampede
Eight devotees, mostly women, were killed and eight others were injured in a stampede at a temple in Bihar’s Nalanda district on Tuesday. The incident took place due to the heavy rush of devotees at the Sheetla Mata temple.Shubham Kumar, Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC), Nalanda, told media persons that the incident might have occurred due to heavy rush in the temple.“An inquiry has been ordered to find out the exact cause of the incident. Officials concerned are
scrutinising footage of CCTV cameras installed at the temple. Forensic experts have also been engaged to assist investigators,” said a statement issued by the district police.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives. PM Modi has announced an ex gratia of `2 lakhs from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and `50,000 for the injured.
President Droupadi Murmu in her condolence message on social media said “The news of the death of numerous devotees in a stampede at a temple in Nalanda, Bihar, is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of all those who have been injured.”“The mishap in Nalanda district, Bihar, is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the PM said in a message.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the deaths of devotees in the stampede and announced ex gratia for the kin of the deceased.
“The CM has expressed condolences over the casualties in the stampede at the Sheetla Mata temple in Bihar Sharif. He is deeply saddened by the deaths of devotees in the incident, and announced an ex gratia of `6 lakh each to the immediate family members of the deceased. The CM has also directed officials to ensure better treatment for those who are injured,” a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary in a social media post said, “The incident at Sheetla Mata Temple in Nalanda is extremely heartbreaking. I express my condolences to the families of all the devotees who lost their lives and were injured in this accident. The Government is providing every possible assistance and relief to the affected families.”
“Arrangements have been made for the proper treatment of the injured. May God grant peace to the departed souls and provide strength to the grieving families during this hour of sorrow. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” he said.
Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, accused the Government of alleged “administrative mismanagement” for the incident.
He said, “The incident caused by administrative mismanagement, resulting in the deaths of devotees, is deeply saddening. I pray to God for the peace of the departed souls and for the speedy recovery of the injured. My heartfelt condolences are with the bereaved families.”
