New Delhi, March 31 Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi said on Tuesday that the stampede at the Mata Sheetla temple in Bihar's Nalanda district was extremely sad and painful.
At least eight devotees, mostly women, were killed and five injured in the stampede at the Sheetla Mata temple in Nalanda district on Tuesday.
The incident occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at the Shitala Mata temple on Tuesday morning, a senior officer said.
"The stampede incident at Mata Sheetla Temple in Nalanda, Bihar, is extremely sad and painful. I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this accident," Devi said in a post on X.
The minister also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.
Bihar Sharif Assistant Superintendent of Police Noorul Haque said, "At least eight devotees, mostly women, died in the stampede at Shitala Mata temple on Tuesday morning. Several devotees were also injured in the incident. Police personnel and officials of the district administration have reached the spot, and the rescue work is on."
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the deaths of devotees in the stampede and announced ex gratia for the kin of the deceased.
"The CM has expressed condolences over the casualties in the stampede at the Sheetla Mata temple in Bihar Sharif. He is deeply saddened by the deaths of devotees in the incident, and announced an ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh each to the immediate family members of the deceased. The CM has also directed officials to ensure better treatment for those who are injured," a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.