A tragic stampede at the Avsaneshwar temple in Barabanki’s Haidergarh area killed two devotees and injured 32 others early Monday during the sacred Shravan month. Around 2 AM, a live electric wire, reportedly dislodged by monkeys, fell onto a tin shed during a ‘jalabhishek’ ritual, sending an electric current through the structure and triggering panic that led to the deadly stampede.

The victims, Prashant (22) from Mubarakpura village and a 30-year-old devotee, died at Trivediganj Community Health Centre (CHC). Of the 10 injured initially treated there, five were transferred to advanced medical facilities due to critical conditions. At Haidergarh CHC, 26 others are under care, with one referred for specialized treatment.

The incident, eerily similar to Sunday’s stampede in Haridwar that killed eight, has heightened concerns about safety at religious sites. Barabanki District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi confirmed that monkeys damaged the wire, electrifying three tin sheds and causing the chaos. District and police officials are investigating to pinpoint the exact cause and prevent future tragedies.

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Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed “deep sorrow” on X, offering condolences and directing officials to expedite treatment and relief efforts. “He prayed to Lord Mahadev for the departed souls’ salvation and the injured’s swift recovery,” his office stated. Despite the tragedy, devotees resumed worship at the temple, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures during peak pilgrimage seasons.

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