Stampede during worship at Nalanda temple in Bihar; Injuries reported

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday expressed grief over the deaths in the Nalanda stampede and announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims.Police said at least eight women died in the incident that took place at Sheetala Mata temple, where a large number of devotees had gathered in the morning.Also read: At least 8 women died, 6 injured in stampede at Shitala Mata temple in Nalanda, Bihar“The accident in Nalanda district of Bihar is extremely painful. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he was quoted as saying in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.“The next of kin of each deceased will be given an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund). The statement said Rs 50,000 will be given to the injured.Meanwhile, Kumar announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the family of each victim.An official release said, “Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed his deep condolences on the death of devotees in the stampede at Shitala Devi Temple in Biharsharif, Nalanda district. Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, senior officials have reached the accident site and are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations. The Chief Minister has wished speedy recovery of those injured in the accident and has issued instructions to ensure proper medical treatment to them.” According to officials, the stampede occurred due to overcrowding at the venue during the weekly fair. Devotees present at the spot alleged inadequate deployment of police personnel to control the crowd. In view of the seriousness of the situation, orders have been given to close the shops set up in the fair in the surrounding area.