Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the deaths of seven devotees in a stampede at the Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district on Monday. The Prime Minister’s Office conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. PM Modi also noted that the local administration was assisting people affected by the incident.

The stampede occurred as a large number of devotees gathered at the temple to offer prayers and perform Jalabhishek on the third Monday of the holy Shravan month. The incident triggered panic among the crowd, with an electric wire reportedly falling before rumours spread and caused devotees to rush in different directions. Several people were caught in the ensuing stampede.

Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said an unprecedented surge in the number of devotees, intensified by the arrival of two trains between around 6.30 am and 6.45 am, contributed to the incident. A barricade outside the temple reportedly collapsed amid the crowd. Police and administrative officials reached the site after receiving information and began rescue operations, while the injured were transported to nearby hospitals.

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The Bihar government has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the seven people who died in the stampede. More than 12 people were injured in the incident, and authorities continued to oversee treatment, rescue operations and crowd management at the temple. Local residents and fellow devotees also assisted in rescuing people caught in the crowd.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the deaths and described the incident as extremely tragic and distressing. He conveyed condolences to the families of those who died and directed the administration to ensure proper and prompt treatment for the injured. He also prayed for peace for those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery for the injured.

The Ashok Dham Temple, also known as the Shri Indradamaneshwar Mahadev Temple, attracts large numbers of devotees during Sawan, when worshippers traditionally visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The stampede occurred during one of the busiest religious gatherings of the month. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and manage the crowd as arrangements are made to assist those affected by the tragedy.

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