Kasaragod: Stampede at Rasamanjari event leaves 15 injured

Mangalore Today News Network

Kasaragod, Nov 24, 2025: At least 15 people were injured in a stampede during a Rasamanjari programme held on the outskirts of Kasaragod on Sunday night after an unexpectedly large crowd led to heavy pushing and chaos. Women and children were among the injured, who were rushed to various hospitals in the city.

The event, organised by the Kasaragod Flee Youth Organisation at Nullippadi, had drawn thousands of people to watch social media personality and singer Hanan Shah. Though the programme was ticketed, a large number of people without tickets reportedly attempted to force their way into the venue, triggering confusion and a stampede-like situation. Several attendees reportedly collapsed due to breathlessness. It is also alleged that prior warnings issued by the police were ignored.

As the crowd swelled, police rushed to the spot and resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the gathering. Traffic movement near the venue was also disrupted for some time due to the huge turnout even before the programme began.

Sources said the crowd size surged after news spread that Hanan Shah would perform. With numbers far exceeding expectations, the organisers were forced to halt the event. District Superintendent of Police Vijay Bharat Reddy took to the stage to announce the cancellation. Organisers then appealed over the microphone for people to exit through emergency gates, after which the stampede occurred, according to reports.