An investigation has been launched after eight ladies were killed in a stampede at a temple in Nalanda, Bihar.

During a religious event on Tuesday at the Shitala Temple in the Nalanda region of Bihar, a stampede resulted in the deaths of eight women and the injuries of numerous more. Many devotees had assembled for worship when the tragedy happened, which resulted in extreme congestion and a rapid rush that crushed multiple persons. An investigation into the incident has been mandated by the Bihar government.

Large people had gathered inside the temple grounds in a chaotic setting, according to images captured from the event. After learning about the situation, police officers and nearby locals hurried to the scene and began rescue and relief efforts.

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.” Every Tuesday, devotees travel to the temple from all over the state, including Patna, according to witnesses. Many attributed the disaster on poor management. One eyewitness stated, “It happened due to mismanagement,” while another stated, “Everyone tried to have darshan first and nobody wanted to stand in a queue.” The hurry was considerably greater because it was the final Tuesday of Chaitra. 

President Droupadi Murmu, meanwhile, is also in Nalanda, Bihar, today, and is expected to tour the neighboring Nalanda ruins, which are only a short distance from the Shitala Mata Temple, the site of the tragedy. All of Nalanda’s senior administrative personnel were working on getting ready for the President’s program at the time of the tragedy.

Rajmani, the head of the Deepnagar police station, was suspended by the authorities just hours after the incident. The Chief Secretary has been instructed by the Bihar government to carry out a thorough investigation and guarantee that the injured receive the appropriate medical care. 

The Patna Commissioner has been dispatched to Bihar Sharif to supervise the situation, and officials have been told to return to normalcy as soon as possible.  The next of kin of those murdered in the event would receive an ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh apiece, including Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department, according to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

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.