Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Aug 17: The death toll in the stampede at Ashok Dham temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai district has been confirmed at seven, while 25 devotees were injured in the incident on the third Monday of the Sawan month, the district administration said.
The administration has identified all seven deceased and the 25 injured devotees and released the complete list of those affected.
The deceased have been identified as Manmala Devi, Rinku Devi, Hemlata Devi, Lalita Devi, Savita Devi, Saroj Devi and Savitri Devi.
The injured have been identified as Renu Devi, Ragini Kumari, Savita Devi, Moni Kumari, Vimla Devi, Reena Kumari, Muskan Kumari, Sandhya Kumari, Khusi Kumari, Pinki Kumari, Kanti Devi, Amerika Devi, Luto Devi, Rampari Devi, Mamata Devi, Kumkum Devi, Moni Kumari, Shivani Kumari, Gunjan Kumari, Mausham Kumari, Kamla Devi, Tuptup Kumari, Tannu Kumari, Anita Devi and Gayatri Devi.
According to the district administration, the stampede was triggered by a rumour that a fallen electric pole had caused an electric current to spread among devotees.
The rumour sparked panic and led to a sudden rush among the large gathering, resulting in the deaths and injuries.
Of the 25 injured devotees, three are reported to be in critical condition. They were initially treated at Lakhisarai Sadar Hospital before being referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for further treatment.
The remaining injured are undergoing treatment at different hospitals across the district.
The district administration expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said Rs 4 lakh in ex gratia compensation had been provided through cheques to the next of kin of each victim.
The administration also assured that all injured devotees would receive proper medical care.
An inquiry team has been constituted to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede. Officials are examining the sequence of events, including the falling of the electric pole, the spread of the electricity-related rumour and the subsequent movement of the crowd.
The district administration has appealed to people to avoid believing or spreading rumours and maintain peace in the aftermath of the tragedy.