Bihar: 3 killed, 10 injured in stampede during Kartik Purnima celebrations

Begusarai (Bihar): Three people were killed and at least 10 others injured in a stampede on the banks of river Ganga in Bihar's Begusarai district where devotees had congregated for Kartik Purnima celebrations.

The stampede took place on Saturday morning during the Kartik Purnima celebrations of Simaria Ghat where devotees had gathered for the holy dip.

According to Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar, the three killed were women and their identities have not been ascertained yet.

Talking about the cause of the stampede Kumar said, "We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede."

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to those who lost their lives in the stampede at Simaria Ghat.

Reacting on the incident, former Bihar chief minister tweets, "Saddened to hear the news of stampede at Ganga ghat during Kartik Purnima bathing ritual. The state government should have focused on crowd control measures."

Kartik Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Karthika month of the Hindu lunar calendar.