On the occasion of the last Tuesday of the month of Chaitra, thousands of devotees gathered at the Shitala Mata Temple in Nalanda district with deep faith and devotion. On the occasion of Shitala Ashtami, there is a long-standing tradition of offering “Basi Bhog” to the goddess. Due to a fair being held near the temple, the roads had become extremely narrow.
Amid the heavy rush, a sudden stampede broke out. As people ran in panic to save themselves, several women fell and were trampled. Eight people lost their lives in the incident. Among them, two have been identified as Rita Devi (50) and Rekha Devi (45), while efforts are on to identify the others.
Many devotees were injured and were immediately taken to the local model hospital by ambulance. After receiving information, Deepnagar police and district administration reached the spot and began rescue operations. Locals were also seen taking the injured to hospitals using battery-operated rickshaws and other means.
An atmosphere of fear and panic still prevails on the temple premises. Although large crowds gather here every year, there are allegations that this year the administration failed to manage the crowd properly.
