Bihar Temple Stampede Update: A massive crowd thronged the Sheetla Temple in Bihar’s Nalanda district today,Tuesday. The overwhelming number of devotees led to chaos. The ensuing stampede resulted in the deaths of eight people,while several others are reported to be injured. Upon receiving news of the incident,the police arrived at the scene and immediately launched a rescue operation.
Following the tragedy,a heavy police and administrative presence has been deployed in the area. According to emerging reports,a fair is held around the Sheetla Mata Temple every Tuesday. Bihar government minister Shravan Kumar has expressed his grief over the incident and stated that the government will provide full assistance to the dependents of the deceased and to those who have been injured.
All Deceased Women Identified
The deceased have been identified as Rita Devi (a resident of Sakunt locality in Biharsharif),Rekha Devi (Nursarai),Anushka Devi (Rahui),Kanti Devi (Nawada),Devanti Devi (Islampur),Malo Devi (Hilsa),Chinta Devi (Rahui),and Kanti Devi (Dipnagar).
How Did This Tragic Accident Occur?
The incident took place in Maghra village,located within the jurisdiction of the Dipnagar police station. Devotees had gathered at the Sheetla Mata Temple on the last Tuesday of the month of Chaitra to offer prayers and seek blessings. The police and administrative arrangements at the temple were virtually non-existent. Amidst this situation,some devotees—in their haste to offer prayers—broke the queue and began climbing over one another,creating an atmosphere of utter chaos.
Consequently,a stampede broke out within the Sheetla Temple,with people falling and stumbling over one another. Upon receiving reports of the stampede,the police arrived at the scene and initiated a rescue operation to bring the situation under control. The police have admitted more than a dozen injured individuals to the hospital.
President Expresses Grief
“The news of the death of several devotees in a stampede at a temple in Nalanda,Bihar,is extremely distressing. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery to all those who have been injured.”
Compensation of ₹6 Lakh Announced
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of ₹6 lakh for the kin of the deceased. Additionally,the Central Government has announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives,and ₹50,000 for the injured.
