Bihar Announces Rs 4 Lakh Aid for Ashok Dham Stampede Victims

Locals and fellow devotees immediately began efforts to rescue those caught in the crowd. Soon after receiving information about the incident, police and administrative officials rushed to the spot. Rescue operations were initiated, and arrangements were made to transport the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Administrative officials reached the site and are overseeing rescue efforts and crowd management. Authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said that an unprecedented surge of devotees, intensified by the arrival of two trains around 6.30-6.45 a.m., led to a barricade collapse outside the temple.

The incident occurred as thousands of devotees had gathered at the Ashok Dham Temple to mark the third Monday of the holy Shravan month and perform Jalabhishek.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the stampede and offered condolences to the victims’ families. He described it as extremely tragic and heart-wrenching.

In a post on X, CM Choudhary said: “The incident at Ashok Dham in Lakhisarai is extremely tragic and heart-wrenching. The news of the deaths of devotees in the accident has left my heart deeply distressed. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families. Necessary instructions have been issued to the administration for the proper and expeditious treatment of the injured. May God grant peace to the departed souls and a swift recovery to the injured.”

Bihar Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also termed the stampede tragic and unfortunate. He assured all possible assistance to the affected families and said those responsible would face strict action.

Speaking to IANS, the minister said: “It is very tragic and unfortunate. The incident occurred outside the temple premises after a pole and electrical wires fell. People spread a rumour that there was an electric current, which led to the stampede. We have spoken to the District Magistrate and the temple authorities, and we are going there to assess the situation. The incident will be investigated, and those responsible will face action. I have also spoken to the Chief Minister and directed that medical arrangements be given the highest priority. Whoever is found responsible will be punished.”

BJP Bihar president Sanjay Saraogi said the government had immediately ordered a high-level inquiry and was ensuring prompt treatment for the injured. “Those found responsible will not be spared under any circumstances, and the Bihar government and district administration stand firmly with the bereaved families,” he added.