On March 31, at least eight people were killed and around a dozen others seriously injured in a stampede at the Sheetla Mata Temple in Nalanda district, Bihar. The incident occurred as a large number of devotees gathered for worship on the last Tuesday of the month of Chaitra, leading to heavy overcrowding and a sudden rush in which several people were crushed.
Stampede Breaks Out At Sheetla Mata Temple In Nalanda, Bihar
According to Hindustan Times, Tuesdays typically see heavy footfall at the Sheetla Mata Temple in Nalanda district, but overcrowding on March 31 led to a stampede-like situation. The chaos worsened as devotees tried to flee, triggering panic and further crowding.
So far, eight women have been confirmed dead, and at least a dozen were injured. They were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment and later taken to bigger facilities for better medical assistance. Following the incident, authorities cleared and shut the temple premises, along with the associated fair.
Visuals circulating on social media show large crowds packed inside the Sheetla Mata Temple amid chaotic conditions. Police officials and local residents rushed to the temple in Nalanda district after receiving reports of the stampede and began relief and rescue operations. The Bihar Government has now ordered a probe into the incident.
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Ex-Gratia Announced For Victims & Injured
Following the incident, the Bihar Government announced an ex gratia of ₹6 lakh for the families of the victims. The Centre also announced ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. The PMO took to X and said, “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: PM”
Also Read: 14 Dead, 23 Injured After Bus Collides With Truck In Andhra Pradesh
Our condolences and prayers are with the deceased. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@ShaanUnfiltered
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Which Bihar temple saw a stampede on March 31?
Due to overcrowding, the Sheetla Mata Temple in Nalanda saw a stampede-like situation.
Why is Sheetla Mata Temple in Nalanda famous?
The temple is dedicated to Sheetla Mata, who is believed to protect devotees from diseases, especially infections like smallpox, and is very famous among devotees.
What triggered the Nalanda stampede on March 31?
Overcrowding at the Sheetla Mata Temple triggered a stampede-like situation.