Katra Today News: Stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra; 12 dead and several others injured
Katra: A stampede had broken out in Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan located in Katra triggered by a heavy rush of devotees on Saturday morning. The stampede occurred outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills.“12 dead in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. Casualties from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and 1 from Jammu & Kashmir; more details awaited. Injured being taken to Naraina Hospital after rescue," said Gopal Dutt, Block Medical Officer, Community Health Centre to news agency (ANI)
At least 12 people were killed and 13 were injured after a stampede occurred at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district early on Saturday, authorities said.
"12 dead, 13 injured in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra. The incident occurred around 2:45 am, and as per initial reports, an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by a stampede," news agency ANI quoted J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh as saying.
In a statement, Dr Gopal Dutt, Block Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, said the casualties were from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and one from J&K. The injured were taken to Naraina hospital, he said.
The police launched a rescue operation to evacuate the people. The situation is under control now, authorities said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured all possible medical aid and assistance to the injured.
"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to JK LG Shri @manojsinha_ Ji, Ministers Shri @DrJitendraSingh Ji, @nityanandraibjp Ji and took stock of the situation," PM Modi said in a tweet.
PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the stampede, while Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured. The relief amount would be released from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Besides PM Modi, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha also announced ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede and Rs 2 lakh to those injured. "Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured," he said in a tweet.
In another tweet, Manoj Sinha said he had spoken to "Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji" and "briefed him about the incident".
"A high level inquiry has been ordered into today's stampede.The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members," Manoj Sinha said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the incident. He said, "The stampede at Mata Vaishnodevi temple is sad. My condolences to the families of the deceased. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery."
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