Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, where six people were killed after a massive crowd gathered along the stairway route to the popular shrine.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families, the PM took to X and said:
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”
Earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also took to X and wrote:
“Extremely distressing news has been received about a stampede breaking out at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. Uttarakhand SDRF, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations.”
“The death of six people in the heart-wrenching stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar is deeply saddening. I pray to God that the souls of the departed find a place at His divine feet and that the grieving families are granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow,” he added.
Dhami announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured. He also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
Every year, Haridwar witnesses a massive influx of pilgrims during the month of Shravan, particularly at the revered Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi Temple.
Further details regarding the Haridwar incident are awaited as the assessment continues.
(with agency input)