Nalanda (Biharsharif): A major accident took place on Tuesday in the fair held near Maghada Shitala temple in Deepnagar police station area of the district. A sudden stampede broke out during the puja, in which 8 women are reported to have lost their lives. The number of deaths is said to be increasing at the local level, although there is no official confirmation from the administration yet. After the incident, there was chaos in the entire area. A large number of people were seen running here and there and many injured were lying on the ground. The injured were immediately sent to the hospital.
How did the stampede happen?
It is being told that on the last Tuesday of the month of Chait, a huge crowd had gathered in the temple. The arrival of devotees continued since morning and by afternoon the situation went out of control. There was less space in and around the temple premises. Meanwhile suddenly pushing and shoving started and people started falling, leading to a stampede.
Why was the crowd so big?
Maghada Shitala temple is crowded every Tuesday, but since it was the last Tuesday of the month of Chait, this time the number was many times more. Especially a large number of women had come for puja. Due to the atmosphere of the fair, people continued to gather, due to which the pressure increased.
Did the situation worsen?
Eyewitnesses say that many people were in a hurry to have darshan first. The line was not being followed. Amidst the pushing and shoving, some people fell down and then the crowd coming from behind started attacking them. One woman said that the circumstances were such that there was no chance to recover.
How many people have been injured?
According to local people, the number of deaths is increasing and many women have fallen prey to it. More than a dozen people are said to be injured. The injured have been admitted to nearby health centers including Model Hospital in Nalanda, where they are undergoing treatment.
What questions are being raised on the role of administration?
After the incident, questions have started being raised regarding crowd management. People say that despite such a huge crowd, there were not enough arrangements. Not enough force was seen for security and control, due to which the situation worsened. After the incident, the administration has closed the temple and fair.
How are the relief and rescue operations going on?
As soon as information about the incident was received, the police and administration team reached the spot. The injured were taken out and sent to the hospital and the crowd was dispersed. At present, additional police force is deployed in the area and people are being appealed to maintain peace.
What is the belief of the temple?
The religious belief of Maghada Shitala temple is said to be very old. It is considered a Siddhapeeth, and devotees come here from far and wide. It is believed that by worshiping here special wishes are fulfilled. For this reason, a large number of people gather here on special occasions.
