DATIA, MP: Nearly 60 people were feared killed and over 100 injured in a stampede today near a temple at Ratangarh in Madhya Pradesh’s Datia district caused by rumours that a bridge they were crossing was about to collapse.
“Nearly 50-60 people are feared killed in the stampede on the bridge over Sindh river leading to the temple following rumours by some unidentified persons that it is collapsing,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Chambal Range, D K Arya told.
The mishap occurred when a large number of devotees arrived from Datia and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh at the Durga temple at Ratangarh, about 60 kms from the district headquarters, Arya said.
Nearly 100 people have been injured in the mishap and they have been admitted in nearby hospitals, he said.
Meanwhile, police resorted to mild lathicharge to control an angry crowd which pelted stones at the cops.
A sub divisional police officer suffered serious injuries after being hit by stones, the DIG said, adding that some other policemen were also injured.
The state government, with the approval of the State Election Commission, has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh to the kin of those killed in the stampede.
The government also announced an assistance of Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 each for those who suffered minor injuries in the mishap.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed grief over the tragedy. (AGENCIES)
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