Ten pilgrims killed in Chitrakoot temple stampede

Mangalore Today News Network

Bhopal, August 25, 2014: Ten pilgrims were killed and over 60 are believed to have suffered injuries in a stampede early on Monday at Kamtanath Pahad Temple, about 80 km away from Satna district headquarters, on the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh border.

Large number of devotees had gathered at the religious place on the occasion of ‘Amavasya’ and the incident during the circumambulation of the Kamtanath Pahad (mountain).

“Ten people were killed and over 60 are suspected to be injured in the stampede,” Collector M L Meena said.

Devotees, mostly women, encircle the mountain by lying and rolling on the path for worship. The presence of a large crowd resulted in a stampede in the area leaving 10 dead, he said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of those killed in the stampede; Rs 50,000 to seriously injured and Rs 10,000 to those who suffered minor injuries.

The exact number of persons injured in the stampede will be known later as Collector and other senior officials have rushed to the spot from Satna to take stock of the situation.

 

Courtesy: Deccan Herald