A stampede-like situation broke out at Bihar’s famous Singheshwar Dham on the fourth Monday of Sawan, leaving five devotees injured. The chaos lasted about 15 minutes after the temple gates opened, after which all the injured were rushed to Jan Nayak Karpuri Thakur Medical College in Madhepura.
One devotee is in critical condition after falling through a grill and suffering a severe head injury and fracture. Several police personnel were also injured while attempting to control the crowd.
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However, Madhepura DM Abhishek Ranjan has denied reports of a stampede at Singheshwar Temple. In a statement, he said no such incident occurred between 6 am and 9 am and also refuted claims that the barricading had collapsed.
The DM said some devotees suffered from dehydration and were given fluids at the medical camp before being referred to Sadar Hospital.
“We strongly refute the reports circulating about a stampede; no such incident occurred between 6 am and 9 am. Regarding claims that the barricading collapsed, that did not happen either… As for injuries, some individuals suffered from dehydration; they were given fluids at the medical camp and subsequently referred to Sadar Hospital for recovery… Amidst the unruly crowd, our police officers were present and managed the situation in accordance with SOPs. We ensured that anyone sustaining an injury was attended to and referred to a higher medical centre. Ambulances, as well as doctors and nurses from the Singheshwar PHC, were stationed there to provide care. We categorically deny that a stampede took place; the situation is currently normal, and you are welcome to verify this,” ANI quoted DM Abhishek Ranjan.
Chaos Erupted As Temple Gates Opened
According to eyewitnesses, the official worship at Baba Singheshwarnath Temple began at 12:30 am, following which the temple doors were opened for devotees at 1 am. Devotees were being allowed inside in queues through the main entrance.
However, as the crowd grew, a stampede-like situation broke out when the main gate was opened around 4 am. Four devotees sustained serious injuries and were admitted to the medical college, while more than a dozen others were also hurt. Around half a dozen police personnel suffered injuries while managing the situation.
ALSO READ: Bihar Stampede: 7 Dead Outside Lakhisarai's Ashok Dham Temple During Sawan Rush, Over 8 Injured
Shiva temples across Bihar have been witnessing massive crowds during Sawan Mondays, raising concerns over crowd management.
A similar stampede recently occurred at Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai, where seven people died while over eight others were injured. The incident occurred on the third Monday of the auspicious month of Sawan.