A stampede reportedly broke out at the Sheetla Temple in the Maghra area of Nalanda, Bihar, due to heavy overcrowding, with several people feared trapped under the surge of devotees. Casualties are suspected.
Visuals from the scene showed large crowds gathered at the temple premises, while injured individuals were being rushed to hospitals in ambulances. Further details are still awaited.
The incident comes just a month after a stampede-like situation occurred during a religious event featuring spiritual figure Aniruddhacharya in East Champaran district. The commotion, which took place in Raxaul, left three people injured.
According to reports, the chaos erupted on the fourth day of the Shrimad Bhagavat Katha at the town’s airport ground. As Aniruddhacharya arrived at the venue, a sudden rush at the main entrance led to a near-stampede. The pressure of the crowd caused the entry gate to collapse, but police personnel present at the spot quickly intervened and brought the situation under control. Two to three people sustained minor injuries.
In a separate major incident last year, 41 people lost their lives in a stampede caused by overcrowding during a political rally in Karur district of Tamil Nadu on September 27. The rally, organised by actor-politician Vijay’s party, drew an overwhelming crowd and turned chaotic, leaving dozens injured.
Vijay later expressed his condolences on social media, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery to those undergoing treatment.
