 "A stampede took place at the Sheetala Mata Temple in Bihar's Nalanda district due to huge crowds gathered for Tuesday prayers (X)")
At least eight women were killed and several others were injured in a stampede during a religious gathering at the Sheetala Mata Temple in Bihar’s Nalanda district on Tuesday. The tragedy unfolded when a large number of devotees gathered for prayers, causing severe overcrowding and a sudden rush in which many were crushed.
Police and local residents quickly reached the spot and launched rescue and relief operations. The Bihar government has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Eyewitnesses blame mismanagement
Eyewitnesses said the temple witnesses heavy footfall every Tuesday, with devotees arriving from across the state, including Patna. Many pointed to poor crowd management as a key factor behind the tragedy.
“It happened due to mismanagement,” one eyewitness told news agency ANI. “Nobody wanted to stand in a queue and everyone tried to have darshan first. Being the last Tuesday of Chaitra, the rush was even higher,” another added.
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View AllAuthorities have also been instructed to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and restore normalcy.
Senior officials were reportedly engaged in preparations for a visit by President Droupadi Murmu, who is in Nalanda and scheduled to visit nearby heritage sites. Following the incident, the Patna Commissioner has been sent to Bihar Sharif to oversee the situation.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh for the families of those who died—Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister’s Office also expressed grief and announced compensation. “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. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the PMO said in a post on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary called the incident “extremely heartbreaking,” assuring all possible assistance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed condolences.
In a similar tragedy last year, nine devotees, mostly women and children, died and 13 others were injured in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple during an auspicious religious occasion.