Lakhisarai Stampede, Birbhum Hotel Fire: PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Relief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those killed in separate incidents in Bihar’s Lakhisarai and West Bengal’s Birbhum.

The PMNRF will provide Rs 50,000 to each injured person. The Prime Minister’s Office shared the announcement on X.

PM Modi earlier expressed grief over the stampede at Ashok Dham temple in Lakhisarai. The incident killed seven people and injured around a dozen others.

Taking to X, the PMO posted, “PM @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate incident in Lakhisarai, Bihar. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”

PM @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate incident in Lakhisarai, Bihar. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/MpnGrBgvQD

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 17, 2026

A large crowd had gathered at the temple to offer prayers and perform rituals on the third Monday of Sawan when the stampede occurred.

In Birbhum, the death toll from a hotel fire at Tarapith rose to seven.

Police arrested hotel owner Kalyan Paul and launched an investigation into the incident.

Birbhum District Police Superintendent Vidit Raj Bundesh confirmed the arrest.

Investigators are examining the hotel’s firefighting system and compliance with fire-safety norms.

Several residents alleged that a rear exit remained locked, preventing them from escaping.

Paul disputed the claim and said panic drove residents towards the reception area.

The fire broke out at around 5 AM near Tarapith Police Station. Fire officials initially suspected a short circuit.

Smoke reached the fifth floor, while flames remained largely confined to the first floor and partly the second.

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