Haridwar: A tragic stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar on Sunday morning claimed at least six lives and left more than a dozen devotees injured. The incident occurred around 9 am on the stairway route leading up to the hilltop shrine.
According to authorities, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police were immediately deployed to manage the rescue and relief operations.
Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit confirmed the fatalities and injuries, stating that “around 10–15 people sustained injuries, with several in critical condition shifted to higher medical facilities.”
He added that preliminary findings indicate a rumour about a live electric wire on the pathway led to mass panic. “The claim of electric current has been denied based on on-ground verification. The panic was caused by a false alarm, and a magisterial inquiry will investigate the exact cause,” he said.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos and Confusion
Eyewitnesses reported a sudden wave of panic among pilgrims after someone allegedly shouted about an electric shock hazard.
“Around 9 to 9:15 am, we heard people shouting for help. It’s a narrow footpath, and things escalated quickly,” said Ujjwal Pundit, a teerth purohit. He also noted that a boundary wall near the path may have worsened the congestion and contributed to the stampede.
A pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh claimed to have seen at least 20 injured, adding, “After the stampede, temple gates were shut, and pilgrims were asked to leave.”
CM Pushkar Dhami Reacts, Orders Inquiry
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident and said he was closely monitoring the situation.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic news of a stampede on the pathway leading to the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar. I am in constant touch with the local administration. A magisterial inquiry will be conducted,” Dhami posted on X.
He also prayed for the safety and recovery of all injured devotees.
Located atop Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar’s Shivalik Hills, the Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Uttarakhand. It attracts thousands of pilgrims daily, especially during auspicious festivals and weekends. The temple can be reached via a 1.5 km uphill trek or a ropeway cable car service from Har-Ki-Pauri, located 3 km away.
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