Seven women devotees killed in stampede at Ashok Dham temple in Bihar
In Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, seven women devotees have died in a stampede at the Ashok Dham temple today during the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan. A large crowd of devotees had gathered for the ritual Jalabhishek of the deity when the incident occurred. More than ten devotees have been seriously injured.
The critically injured have been referred to Patna Medical College Hospital, while others are being treated at the district Sadar Hospital.
Our correspondent reports that the stampede took place this morning on the path leading from Ashok Dham station to the temple. Preliminary information suggests the chaos was triggered by a rumour that an electric current was flowing through a fallen electricity pole.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has expressed grief over the incident and directed the administration to ensure prompt and proper medical care for the injured. He also announced an ex-gratia of four lakh rupees each to the next of kin of the deceased.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan have expressed grief over the deaths of devotees in the stampede accident.
Sharing a social media post, the President conveyed her deepest condolences to the grief-stricken families. President Murmu also prayed for the swift recovery of those who have been injured. The Vice President also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives due to a stampede in Lakhisarai. Mr Modi has prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister assured that the local administration is assisting those affected.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief for the loss of lives due to the stampede. In a social media post, Mr Singh offered his condolences to the bereaved families of all those who lost their lives in this heart-wrenching incident.
Meanwhile, following the Lakhisarai incident, security arrangements have also been strengthened at other major temples across the state, including Garibnath Temple in Muzaffarpur, Baba Hariharnath Temple in Sonpur, and Ajgaibinath Temple in Sultanganj.
Devotees have been urged not to pay heed to rumours, to follow law-and-order guidelines, and to remain alert and cautious.
