New Delhi, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday expressed grief over the stampede at the Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district that left seven devotees dead and more than 13 injured.
President Murmu described the incident as “extremely heartbreaking” and conveyed her condolences to the families of those who died. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
“The news of the deaths of devotees in the stampede accident in Lakhisarai district of Bihar is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the grief-stricken families. I pray for the swift recovery of those who have been injured,” Murmu said in a social media post.
Vice-President Radhakrishnan also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic stampede in Lakhisarai, Bihar. My heartfelt condolences are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier expressed grief over the incident. The Prime Minister’s Office said Modi’s thoughts were with the bereaved families and wished for the early recovery of the injured. It added that the local administration was assisting those affected.
The Bihar government has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of those who died in the stampede.
The incident occurred at the Ashok Dham Temple when thousands of devotees gathered on the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan to offer prayers and perform ‘Jalabhishek’. According to the information available, an electric wire reportedly fell, triggering panic among the crowd. As devotees attempted to move away in different directions, a stampede followed, leaving several people trapped and crushed.
Local residents and fellow devotees began rescue efforts, while police and administrative officials reached the temple after receiving information about the incident. Rescue operations were launched and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.
Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said an unprecedented surge in the number of devotees, intensified by the arrival of two trains around 6.30–6.45 a.m., led to the collapse of a barricade outside the temple.
Administrative officials remained at the site to oversee rescue operations and crowd management, while authorities continued to monitor the situation.
Those identified among the deceased so far include Manmala Devi (44), wife of Niranjan Kumar of Ind Tola, Barahiya, Lakhisarai; Rinku Devi (50), wife of Neeraj Yadav of Farda, Safiasarai, Munger; Hemlata Devi (55), wife of Surendra Yadav of Kaindi Pratappur, Halsi, Lakhisarai; and Lalita Devi, wife of Gorelal Yadav of Pratappur, Halsi, Lakhisarai. Three other deceased victims were yet to be identified.
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