Nalanda, March 31 – A stampede broke out during prayers at the Madhda Sheetla Temple in Nalanda, Bihar, on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of seven people and one seriously injured, police confirmed.
The incident occurred at the Madhda Sheetla Temple in the Deepnagar police station area.
Upon learning about the incident, police officials, along with residents, rushed to the location and initiated relief and rescue efforts. Visuals from the scene showed numerous devotees gathered within the temple grounds.
Rescue officials reached the site and are conducting relief operations.
Injured individuals are being taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.
Police are at the scene and are investigating the cause of the stampede.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also expressed his condolences over the tragedy.
In a post on X, Choudhary said, "The tragic stampede incident at the Mata Sheetla 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."
He assured that all necessary assistance would be provided to those affected.
"The government is providing every possible assistance and relief to the affected families. Arrangements have been made for the proper treatment of the injured," he said.
"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," the Deputy Chief Minister added.
Last year, in November, at least nine people, including eight women and a 13-year-old boy, were killed during a crowd surge on Karthika Ekadashi at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. Around 25,000 devotees were present, overwhelming the facility.
Additionally, the February 2025 Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj claimed several lives. It occurred due to barricades collapsing on Akhara Marg.