Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Mar 31: A tragic stampede at a temple in Bihar’s Nalanda district has claimed at least eight lives and left several others injured, prompting swift response and relief measures from the state government.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed profound sorrow over the incident and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. The government will provide Rs 6 lac to each bereaved family, with Rs 4 lac coming from the Disaster Relief Fund and Rs 2 lac from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
State Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the administration is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and that the Chief Minister is closely monitoring developments. He assured that all injured individuals are receiving proper medical treatment at government expense.
Calling the incident “deeply distressing,” Chaudhary said emergency rescue and relief operations were launched immediately after the tragedy. Authorities have been instructed to extend all necessary support to those affected.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also conveyed his condolences, describing the loss of lives as extremely painful. He expressed sympathy for the bereaved families and wished a quick recovery to the injured, reaffirming the government’s commitment to assist them.
The stampede occurred at the historic Sheetla Mata Temple in Maghra village, under the jurisdiction of Deepnagar police station, where a large number of devotees had gathered to mark Sheetlashtami during the Chaitra month.
Panic reportedly erupted amid the heavy crowd, leading to chaos and the subsequent stampede. Initial reports indicate that eight people, including seven women, lost their lives, while dozens sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. Officials have noted that the casualty figure may be revised as verification continues.
Eyewitnesses attributed the incident to overcrowding and limited space within the temple premises, which led to confusion and disorder. Rescue teams and local authorities quickly reached the scene, transporting the injured to medical facilities.
Relief efforts are ongoing, and officials are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident, including whether adequate crowd management arrangements were in place.