Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths of seven devotees in a stampede at the Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai on Monday.
The incident injured more than 12 people as thousands gathered at the temple on the third Monday of Sawan.
The Prime Minister’s Office said PM Modi deeply mourned the deaths and stood with the bereaved families. He wished the injured a speedy recovery and said the local administration was assisting those affected.
Pained by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Lakhisarai, Bihar. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting those affected: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 17, 2026
Earlier, the Bihar government announced financial assistance of ₹4 lakh each to the next of kin of those who died in the stampede.
The incident reportedly began after an electric wire fell near the crowd, triggering panic among devotees.
Rumours spread quickly, prompting people to rush in different directions. The sudden surge caused a stampede, leaving several devotees trapped and injured.
Locals and fellow worshippers immediately launched rescue efforts, while police and administrative officials reached the temple soon after receiving information.
Authorities shifted the injured to nearby hospitals and continued rescue and crowd-management operations.
Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said an unprecedented surge in the number of devotees, intensified by the arrival of two trains between 6:30 AM and 6:45 AM, led to a barricade collapsing outside the temple.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the incident and described it as tragic and deeply distressing. He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to ensure prompt and proper treatment for those injured.
The stampede occurred as devotees gathered at Ashok Dham Temple to observe Sawan Monday and perform Jalabhishek.
The incident has prompted authorities to step up crowd-management measures as they continue to monitor the situation.
Also Read: Sawan Monday, Nag Panchami Draw Lakhs Of Devotees To Shiva Temples Across Delhi-NCR
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