Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: At least eight women were killed and several others were injured on March 31 during a religious gathering at the Sheetla Temple in Bihar’s Nalanda district. The incident occurred when a large number of devotees gathered at the temple for worship, leading to severe overcrowding and a stampede, during which several people were crushed.
On receiving information about the tragedy, police officials along with local villagers rushed to the spot and launched relief and rescue operations. Visuals from the scene showed scores of people gathered at the temple premises.
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.
According to a statement from the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office, overcrowding caused by the heavy rush of devotees triggered the stampede. “A stampede took place at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, leaving several people injured,” the CMO said. “The sudden surge of devotees led to chaos and panic, resulting in this tragic incident.”
Disturbing scenes from the temple showed a surge of devotees turning faith into frenzy, as the crowd spiraled into chaos and cries for help pierced the air while people stumbled and fell.
