8 women killed in stampede at temple in Bihar's Nalanda, probe ordered
EIGHT women were killed and several others injured on Tuesday in a stampede during a religious gathering at the Shitala Temple in Bihar’s Nalanda district.
The incident occurred as a large number of devotees gathered for worship, leading to severe overcrowding and a sudden rush in which several people were crushed. The Bihar government has ordered a probe into the incident.
Visuals from the scene showed large crowds gathered within the temple premises amid chaotic conditions. Police officials, along with local villagers, rushed to the spot after receiving information and launched relief and rescue operations.
Bihar Sharif Assistant Superintendent of Police Noorul Haque said, "At least eight women died in the stampede at Shitala Mata temple on Tuesday morning. Police personnel and officials of the district administration have reached the spot, and the rescue work is on."
Eyewitnesses said the temple witnesses heavy footfall every Tuesday, with devotees arriving from various parts of the state, including Patna. Many blamed mismanagement for the tragedy. “It happened due to mismanagement,” one eyewitness said, while another added, “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.”
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu is also in Bihar’s Nalanda today and is scheduled to visit the nearby Nalanda ruins, just a short distance from the Shitala Mata Temple where the tragedy occurred. At the time of the incident, all senior administrative officials in Nalanda were engaged in preparations for the President’s programme.
After the tragedy, the Bihar government ordered a probe into the incident, directing the Chief Secretary to conduct a detailed investigation and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
Officials have also been instructed to restore normalcy at the earliest, while 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 each for the next of kin of those killed in the incident, including Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister’s Office expressed grief over the tragic incident in Nalanda district, Bihar, extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased’s family and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
“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 Prime Minister's Office said in a post on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also expressed his condolences on X, calling the stampede “extremely heartbreaking.” He said the government is providing all possible assistance and relief to the affected families and has made arrangements for the proper treatment of the injured.
"The tragic stampede incident at the Mata Shitala Temple in Nalanda is extremely heartbreaking. I express my condolences to the families of all the devotees who lost their lives and were injured in this accident," Choudhary said in a post on X.
“The government is providing every possible assistance and relief to the affected families. Arrangements have been made for the proper treatment of the injured. May God grant peace to the departed souls and provide strength to the grieving families during this hour of sorrow. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” he added.
Additionally, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Last year, nine devotees, mostly women and children, lost their lives and 13 others were injured in a stampede at Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district. The tragedy struck during Ekadashi, an auspicious day for Hindus, when an overwhelming crowd had gathered at the temple.
