Haridwar Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple: 6 Dead, Several Injured Amid Overcrowding

Haridwar Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple: A stampede at Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar on July 27. The incident occurred during Shravan month when there was heavy rush of devotees. The tragedy has raised questions on crowd management and safety at one of Uttarakhand’s most famous temples.

Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said a large crowd had gathered at the temple before the stampede. Visuals showed injured devotees being taken to hospital in ambulances and many others being treated. Total number of injured is 55.

Uttarakhand Police’s State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police are engaged in relief operations, said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

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Pramendra Singh Dobal, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Haridwar, initially confirmed six deaths and said, "The police force reached the spot immediately and began the rescue operation. Around 35 injured people were admitted to the hospital, out of which six deaths have been confirmed. The main cause behind the stampede appears to be panic triggered by rumours about an electric current."

Preliminary reports suggest overcrowding on the temple premises and poor crowd management may have triggered panic among devotees. Eyewitnesses said the situation worsened when a part of the crowd tried to exit the narrow passage with incoming devotees.

Mansa Devi is one of the most visited shrines in Haridwar which sees a huge influx of pilgrims during Sawan.

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Visuals showed injured devotees being taken to local hospitals in ambulances. Many were seen getting medical attention on site.

Chief Minister Dhami is in touch with local authorities and is monitoring the situation.

"It is extremely distressing to receive news of a stampede on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. @uksdrf, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to Mother Goddess for the safety and well-being of all devotees," said Mr Dhami.

Uttarakhand government has announced Rs 2lakh for the families of victims and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

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