Eight women killed in stampede at Sheetla temple in Bihar's Nalanda district

The incident took place due to heavy rush of devotees at the temple, according to police.

At least eight women were killed in a stampede at a temple in Bihar's Nalanda district on Tuesday.

The incident took place due to a heavy rush of devotees at the Shitala Mata temple on Tuesday morning, a PTI report quoting a senior police officer said.

Bihar Sharif Assistant Superintendent of Police Noorul Haque said, "At least eight women died in the stampede at Shitala Mata temple on Tuesday morning. Police personnel and officials of the district administration have reached the spot, and the rescue work is on."

The exact cause of the stampede is not known, but there was a huge rush of devotees, said Haque, who was also present at the spot.

CM announces relief

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced Rs 4 lakh from Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the CM Relief Fund (a total of Rs 6 lakh) as compensation for the next of kin of each deceased.

(With agency inputs)