Bihar Stampede during puja at Nalanda Temple; injuries reported NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a stampede in Nalanda and announced ex gratia compensation for the victims.At least eight women were killed in the incident at the Shitala Mata temple, where a large number of devotees had gathered in the morning, police said.Also Read: At least 8 women killed, 6 injured in stampede at Sheetala Mata temple in Bihar’s Nalanda“The mishap in Nalanda district, Bihar, is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office quoted him as saying.”An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the statement added.Meanwhile, Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the family of each victim.”Chief minister Nitish Kumar has expressed deep condolences over the deaths of devotees in a stampede that occurred at the Sheetla Devi Temple in Bihar Sharif, Nalanda district. Acting on the chief minister’s directives, senior officials have reached the accident site and are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations. The chief minister has wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap and has issued instructions to ensure they receive appropriate medical treatment,” an official release stated. According to officials, the stampede occurred during a weekly fair due to overcrowding at the site. Devotees present at the scene alleged insufficient deployment of police personnel to manage the rush. In view of the gravity of the situation, shops set up at the fair in the surrounding area have been ordered to close down.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFrom Naxal Charge To Owaisi Praise: Shah’s Top 7 Shock MomentsUS Strike At Mashhad Airport Hits India-Bound Mahar Air Flight, Iran Calls It Violation Of LawStampede Horror At Nalanda’s Sheetla Temple Amid Big Rush, Multiple Casualties Feared In BiharWhen Art Crosses The Line: Pink Elephant’s Death After Russian Artist’s Viral Photoshoot Sparks Row’Best Of Luck’: Ex-RAW Chief Vikram Sood Warns Of War’s Impact As India Walks Diplomatic Tightrope10 India-Bound Ships Stuck In Persian Gulf Trigger Major Energy Concerns’Sonia, Rahul’s Communist Advisors’: Kangana Ranaut Launches Attack On Congress, Lauds PM ModiAmit Shah Flags Russia-China Influence During CPI, CPI(M) Formation; Slams Bhagat Singh ComparisonCensus Goes Fully Digital: How India Will Count Its Population With Apps, Data And Self-Entry’Global Oil Crisis May Push India Closer To Iran’: US Expert Robert Pape Hints Big Diplomatic Shift123Photostories10 essential soft skills you’re never taught — But need to succeed in lifeSummer Diet: How to make desi Watermelon Rice that impressed Chef Marco Pierre WhiteSummer Holidays: 6 Places every parent should take their kidsIndia’s rarest state birds – places you can still see themWhy your body is no longer responding to exercise: Hidden causes of exercise slump and how to break through them effectivelyForget summer coolers & energy drinks: 6 desi foods farmers eat and drink to survive extreme heat in the fieldFrom a massive living room to an expensive art collection, jacuzzi and more: Krishna Shroff’s opulent Mumbai houseHow to know if someone likes you (especially virtually): 5 subtle signs you can’t miss7 structural marvels of India that define architectural excellenceWhat happens when you eat eggs daily for 14 days123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsCensus 2027Congress debateArticle 370Pakistan terror groupsBank Holiday this weekKharg Island
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a stampede in Nalanda and announced ex gratia compensation for the victims.At least eight women were killed in the incident at the Shitala Mata temple, where a large number of devotees had gathered in the morning, police said.Also Read: At least 8 women killed, 6 injured in stampede at Sheetala Mata temple in Bihar’s Nalanda“The mishap in Nalanda district, Bihar, is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office quoted him as saying.“An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the statement added.Meanwhile, Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the family of each victim.“Chief minister Nitish Kumar has expressed deep condolences over the deaths of devotees in a stampede that occurred at the Sheetla Devi Temple in Bihar Sharif, Nalanda district. Acting on the chief minister’s directives, senior officials have reached the accident site and are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations. The chief minister has wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap and has issued instructions to ensure they receive appropriate medical treatment,” an official release stated. According to officials, the stampede occurred during a weekly fair due to overcrowding at the site. Devotees present at the scene alleged insufficient deployment of police personnel to manage the rush. In view of the gravity of the situation, shops set up at the fair in the surrounding area have been ordered to close down.