The stampede took place around 5 a.m.
New Delhi:
Three people died and two others were injured in a stampede at Khatu Shyam Ji temple in Rajasthan’s Sikar early Monday morning.
The two injured people were transported to a hospital in Jaipur for treatment.
The stampede took place around 5 a.m. in front of the temple gate.
Today, the 11th day of the 11th lunar month, is considered auspicious for darshan of Khatu Shyam Ji, who is said to be the incarnation of Lord Krishna.
According to police, a large crowd had gathered outside the temple waiting to open the gate. As soon as the gate opened and people tried to push in, a woman is said to have fainted and fell, causing everyone else in the back seat to fall as well. In the ensuing melee, three women were killed and two wounded.
A group of police officers immediately ran to the temple to control the crowd and bring the situation under control.
Sikar’s SP police officer, Kunwar Rashtradeep, told NDTV that the situation was under control and the crowd was being moderated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to offer condolences to the families of the victims.
“Grieve over the loss of life due to a stampede at the Khatu Shyamji temple complex in Sikar, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the bereaved family. I pray that the injured recover as soon as possible.” general wrote.
Grief over the loss of life due to a stampede at the Khatu Shyamji Temple complex in Sikar, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the bereaved. I pray that the injured recover as soon as possible.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 8, 2022
The Khatu Shyam Ji temple is considered one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Rajasthan and attracts large crowds of visitors.
Long lines of people in groups can still be seen moving towards the temple. Sometimes these lines extend for kilometers on the highway.
