A stampede reportedly occurred early on Monday during the monthly fair at the Khatu Shyamji Temple in Sikar, resulting in at least three fatalities and numerous injuries.
Two injured people have been taken to a Jaipur hospital. The three deceased were women .
It was around 5 am when the stampede occurred at the entrance of the temple. A huge crowd gathers at the temple as it is considered the most auspicious pilgrimage in Rajasthan.
Today, it is deemed sacred to have Khatu Shyam Ji’s darshan on the 11th day of the lunar calendar because he is thought to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Taking to Twitter, PM Narendra Modi has expressed sorrow for the loss and said, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at the Khatu Shyamji Temple complex in Sikar, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that those who are injured recover at the earliest. “
Rajasthan Chief Minister Aahok Gehlot also expressed condolences for the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
He tweeted, “The death of three women devotees due to a stampede in Khatu Shyamji Temple in Sikar is very sad and unfortunate. My deepest sympathies are with the bereaved family. May God give them strength to bear this loss and may the departed soul rest in peace. “
Three people were injured in a stampede-like incident that occurred earlier this year in April at the Tirumala shrine in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
Additionally, a stampede at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, in January of this year took the lives of 12 people.