Varanasi: 24 Dead in Stampede, Improper Permission Led to Chaos

A stampede broke out during during Baba Jai Gurudev’s sabha in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, killing several people.

The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of Ganga to take part in the two-day camp. (Photo: The Quint/Hardeep Singh)

At least 24 people have died in a stampede during Baba Jai Gurudev’s sabha in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read: Jai Gurudev Baba: From Mathura Clashes to Varanasi Stampede

The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of Ganga to take part in the two-day camp. Nearly 60 people have been injured, according to PTI. Permission was sought for a gathering of 3,000 people, yet about one lakh devotees took part in the procession.

According to the District Magistrate, the stampede occurred on a bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli. Out of the dead, 14 are reported to be women and five men. (Photo: ANI)

Senior officials of the police and the administration have rushed to the spot to carry out relief and rescue measures. Meanwhile, a government spokesman in Lucknow has said that the situation is being monitored and all necessary measures were being taken.

An inquiry will be instituted to find out the cause of the stampede, he said.

Rumours of A Bridge Collapse Led to the Stampede?

According to a report in The Times of India, the procession was moving towards Domari village to join the assembly. This caused a massive traffic jam, which led to a stampede when people started moving downward from the Rajghat bridge.

A spokesperson for Jai Gurudev Sansthan Raj Bahadur said that the devotees were proceeding towards the camp but the police started sending them back. This reportedly led to rumours that the bridge ahead had collapsed, which led to the stampede.

PM Modi Offers Condolences, Announces Compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the victims and ensured all possible help. He has announced a compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs each to next of kin of those killed, Rs 50,000 for those injured

I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi. I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi and my prayers are with those injured

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Sonia and Rahul Gandhi Express Grief

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi have expressed shock and grief over the stampede at Rajghat bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli in which 19 people were killed and 60 others injured.

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have expressed grief and shock over the Varanasi stampede. (Photo: Reuters)

Extending her condolences to the families of the deceased, Sonia hoped that the concerned authorities were providing adequate medical relief and compensation to the victims.

Furthermore, she said that she has instructed the UP Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), Varanasi DCC and Congress workers to provide all possible assistance to the people.

Congress Chief Ministerial candidate Shiela Dikshit and Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Raj Babbar expressed condolences over the tragedy.

UP Chief Minister Announces Compensation

UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of those killed in the Varanasi stampede. He has also announced Rs 50,000 each for the critically injured.

(Sources: The Times of India)