A massive stampede broke out in Shitala Mata temple, many women died, silence spread before the Arghya of Chaiti Chhath.

News India Live, Digital Desk: A very heartbreaking news is coming out from Nalanda district of Bihar. Famous Shitala Mata Temple Many female devotees have been crushed to death in a massive stampede that broke out during worship in the complex. This accident happened at a time when a huge crowd of thousands had gathered in the temple to offer water and worship on the holy occasion of Chaiti Chhath. After this incident, there was an outcry in the entire area and the joy of the festival turned into mourning.

How did this tragic accident happen?

According to eyewitnesses, there were long queues of devotees in this historical temple located near Biharsharif since morning. On the third day of Chaiti Chhath, after Kharna, a large number of women had come to offer water to Sheetala Mata. Due to the narrow exit gate of the temple and the crowd exceeding its capacity, suddenly a scuffle started. Within no time the situation went out of control and the women who fell on the ground were crushed under the feet of the crowd. There is a lot of resentment among the local people regarding the lack of proper security arrangements in the temple premises.

There was chaos in the hospital, the condition of the injured was critical.

Immediately after the accident, with the help of local people and police, the injured were taken to the nearest hospital and Bihar Sharif Sadar Hospital. According to doctors, many women had died before reaching the hospital, while the condition of some still remains extremely critical. The death toll is expected to increase. The family members are crying in bad condition in the hospital premises and the process of identification is going on by the administration.

Questions on administrative lapses and security arrangements

Question marks are now being raised on the preparations of the temple administration and the local police during such a big festival. Devotees allege that neither adequate barricading was done nor were women police personnel deployed to control the crowd. As soon as information about the incident was received, senior administrative officials and heavy police force reached the spot. At present, the area around the temple has been evacuated and orders have been given for a high-level inquiry into the matter.