Stampede at Bihar's Ashok Dham Temple Kills Seven Devotees, Over 12 Injured

Patna: At least seven devotees were killed and more than 12 injured in a stampede at the Ashok Dham temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district on Monday, with authorities indicating that the death toll could increase.

The incident occurred as thousands of devotees gathered at the temple to offer holy water on the third Somwari of the Shravan month. Most of those who died were women.

According to reports, four victims were identified as Manmala Devi, 44, Rinku Devi, 50, Hemlata Devi, 55, and Lalita Devi, 45. Manmala, Hemlata and Lalita were from Lakhisarai, while Rinku was from neighbouring Munger district.

As per preliminary details, the stampede took place along the road connecting Ashok Dham railway station with the temple. An electricity pole had reportedly fallen on the route several hours before the incident. Devotees waiting in long queues allegedly panicked after reports that the fallen pole had come into contact with people and caused electric shocks.

The sudden fear sent devotees running in different directions. The crowd overwhelmed the barricades, which collapsed, resulting in people falling over one another.

Lakhisarai District Magistrate said he had been monitoring arrangements at the site since around 3.30 am. He said the crowd increased sharply at about 6.30 am and that officials later learnt that several devotees had fallen after a barricade beside the field collapsed.

The injured have been taken for medical treatment, while the administration has been instructed to ensure adequate care.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the deaths and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the family of each victim. He also directed officials to provide immediate medical assistance to those injured in the incident.