At least eight people were killed and one person seriously injured after a stampede broke out during prayers at the Mata Sheetla Temple in Nalanda on Tuesday, police said.
The incident took place at the Madhda Sheetla Temple located under the Deepnagar police station area.
Authorities said the situation turned chaotic as a large number of devotees had gathered at the temple premises for prayers.
Police personnel, along with local residents, rushed to the site soon after receiving information about the incident and began relief and rescue operations.
Visuals from the scene showed a heavy crowd inside the temple complex.
Rescue teams have reached the spot and are continuing operations, while nearby hospitals are treating the injured.
Officials said efforts are underway to determine the exact cause of the stampede.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He said the government is providing all necessary assistance and relief to those affected and has ensured proper medical care for the injured.
नालंदा स्थित माता शीतला मंदिर में भगदड़ की दुखद घटना अत्यंत ही पीड़ादायक है। इस हादसे में जान गंवाने वाले और घायल हुए सभी श्रद्धालुओं के परिवारजनों के प्रति अपनी संवेदनाएँ प्रकट करता हूँ।
सरकार द्वारा पीड़ित परिवारों को हर संभव सहायता और राहत प्रदान की जा रही है। घायलों के…
— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) March 31, 2026
Similar incidents have occurred in the past.
In November last year, at least nine people, including eight women and a 13-year-old boy, died in a crowd surge during Karthika Ekadashi at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, where around 25,000 devotees had gathered.
In another incident, a stampede during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in February 2025 resulted in multiple casualties after barricades collapsed on Akhara Marg.
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