In a heartbreaking event on Monday morning, seven individuals three of whom were women lost their lives and 35 others sustained injuries at the Baba Siddhnath Temple in Jehanabad, Bihar. The tragedy unfolded at Vanavar Hill in the Makhdumpur block. The injured were quickly transported to hospitals in Makhdumpur and Jehanabad. The incident took place on the fourth Monday of the sacred Sawan month, a period known for heightened temple crowds.
On July 2, a devastating stampede in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in over 120 fatalities. The incident occurred during a large gathering led by Baba Narayan Hari, also known as ‘Bhole Baba,’ at a Satsang (prayer meeting) attended by thousands. The event, organized privately, had been granted permission by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh attributed the tragedy partly to overcrowding.
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Such tragedies are not uncommon in India. Previous incidents include the 2005 stampede at Maharashtra’s Mandhardevi temple, which claimed over 340 lives, and the 2008 disaster at Rajasthan’s Chamunda Devi temple, where at least 250 people perished. Another notable tragedy occurred in 2008 at the Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of 162 individuals.
The loss of seven lives and the injuries sustained by 35 others underscore the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety measures at such events. As authorities investigate the causes and seek ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future, it is essential for both religious organizers and local officials to collaborate closely to ensure that safety protocols are rigorously enforced. The community will be left mourning the victims and reflecting on the steps necessary to safeguard worshippers during future gatherings.
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