Bhopal: No less than 124 devotees, including women and children were killed and more than 100 injured in a stampede on narrow bridge to the historic Ratangarh temple in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh on Sunday.
Strangely only nine constables and a sub-inspector were manning the mammoth gathering of devotees
The bridge over river Sindh, that leads to the temple was virtually choked with over one lakh devotees from Madhya Pradesh and adjoining UP on auspicious occasion of Durga Navami on Sunday.
Spread of rumors about an imminent collapse of the bridge after a police baton charge on devotees triggered panic. While scores of pilgrims were trampled, others were drowned after jumping into the swollen river.
Strangely only nine constables and a sub-inspector were manning the mammoth gathering of devotees on the 500-metre long bridge when the tragedy occurred.
Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragedy and Congress president Sonia Gandhi has expressed shock. The Ratangarh temple is located 55 km from the Datia district headquarters and 405 km north of Bhopal.
“We have counted 100 bodies so far. Several pilgrims died on way to hospital. The toll may rise manifold,” a senior police officer said.
The tragedy was sparked off by rumors that the bridge on Sindh River – through which pilgrims were heading towards temple – was collapsing. In a huge lapse on part of the administration, heavy vehicles carrying pilgrims were allowed to ply on the bridge. Eye-witnesses claim a clash between two groups of villagers on the bridge forced a minor baton charge by police which triggered the stampede.
“The toll could touch 120. We have yet to recover bodies from the river,” Chambal range DIG D K Arya said.
To monitor the rescue operation, the Chief secretary along with the DGP and ADG intelligence have air dashed to the spot on a helicopter.
A team of more than 20 doctors have been dispatched to the spot, and a high alert has been sounded in surrounding Shivpuri district. The casualty wards of district hospitals have been vacated.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh each to the kin of the victims.
It was religious frenzy compounded by administrative failure that led to a similar tragedy in 2006 over the bridge on the Sindh river.
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