Haridwar, Uttarakhand: At least six people died and thirty to forty others sustained injuries in a stampede that broke out on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on Sunday morning. The tragic incident has prompted condolences from the nation's top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X to express his sorrow over the tragedy. "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," he wrote.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her grief in a statement, saying, "The news of the death of many devotees in the stampede accident on the way to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar is deeply painful. I express my heartfelt condolences to all the grieving families. I pray that all the injured devotees recover quickly."
Speaking to the media following the tragic incident, Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit revealed that the stampede was triggered by false rumours. "We found through photos and videos that someone spread the rumour of electric wire breaking. While looking at the injured or the dead, we did not get any such indication," Dixit explained.
The DM confirmed that six deaths had been verified and announced that authorities would investigate the source of the rumour. "We will investigate who spread the rumour that caused the stampede, and a magisterial inquiry will be set up investigating cameras and other means," he stated.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his distress over the incident and assured that rescue operations were underway. In a post on X, Dhami wrote, "It is extremely distressing to receive news of a stampede on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. Uttarakhand SDRF, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations."
I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to Mother Goddess for the safety and well-being of all devotees," the Chief Minister added.
The Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, attracting thousands of devotees, particularly during religious festivals and auspicious occasions.
