Woman killed in stampede

Nagamma (63) of Shimshapur in Malvalli taluk died in the stampede that occurred when devotees rushed near the palanquin during the procession. When the police tried to control the crowd the devotees began running helter-skelter fearing lathicharge. As many as 10 persons have sustained serious injuries on their heads, hands and legs. Twenty-three persons were treated as out-patients at a hospital here.
Medical Superintendent Dr M Shivanna said that though the police did not actually resort to lathicharge, chaos broke out due to the rumour over police action.  However, the religious programmes continued after the injured were shifted to the hospital.