PM condoles death of Kanwarias in stampede at Deoghar

NEW DELHI:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to a stampede in Jharkhand, in which 11 Kanwarias, Shiva devotees,  have died. “Pained at loss of lives due to the stampede in Jharkhand. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased in this hour of grief. I pray that the injured recover quickly. I spoke to Chief Minister Raghubar Das ji on the incident.,” the Prime Minister said.  Mr Das spoke over phone with the Prime Minister and apprised him about the steps taken and the relief and rescue operations which were on in Deoghar. The Chief Minister also announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each for those who have died in the incident while the seriously injured would be provided Rs 50,000 each. Toll rose to 11 with more than 50 injured, at least 20 seriously, in the stampede that took place at Kela Bagan near Durga Mandir on the Kanwariya Marg under early this morning. Deoghar police said the stampede occurred as there was a huge line of Kanwarias gathered on the occasion of second ‘Somvari’. Stampede on religious occasion is not new to this holy town. On 24 September 2012  nine devotees perished when crowd went out of control during early morning prayers being held at the ashram of Saint Thakur Anukul Chand, during 125th birth anniversary celebrations .  (AGENCIES)