Lakhisarai: At least seven devotees died in a stampede outside a temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai district. More than 12 people were injured in the incident and have been admitted to the hospital for treatment. The incident occurred on the path leading from Ashok Dham station to the temple. A large number of devotees had gathered at the Ashok Dham temple to offer prayers and perform religious rituals on the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan.
According to initial reports, an electric pole, along with its wires, had fallen on the path during the night. A rumor spread among the devotees that the pole was electrically charged. This sparked panic, and people began running in different directions to escape. A stampede ensued, causing many devotees to get trapped in the crowd and crushed beneath one another. Local residents and other devotees immediately began efforts to rescue those trapped in the crowd. Police and administrative officials arrived at the scene upon receiving news of the incident. Rescue operations were launched, and arrangements were made to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
According to reports so far, at least seven devotees have lost their lives. All the deceased are reported to be women. There is a possibility that the death toll could rise. The Ashok Dham temple is also known as the Shri Indradamneshwar Mahadev Temple. It houses a massive Shivling that was discovered during excavation. A large number of devotees visit the temple, especially during the holy month of Sawan.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi has announced financial assistance of ?2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each person who lost their life in this tragic accident. In a social media post, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved an ex-gratia payment of ?2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of those who died in the unfortunate incident in Lakhisarai, Bihar. The injured will be given a sum of ?50,000.
Prime Minister Modi expresses grief
New Delhi: Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths caused by a stampede at the Ashok Dham temple in Lakhisarai, which claimed seven lives. The Prime Minister's Office wrote on social media, "Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Lakhisarai, Bihar. My condolences are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected."