3 killed, 4 injured during stampede in Raj's Khatu Shyam temple, Modi, Gehlot condoles

A stampede broke out at the Khatu Shyam temple in Sikar, Rajasthan, on Monday morning, which resulted in the deaths of three pilgrims and serious injury to another four.

The three victims were all female devotees. The deceased's bodies have been kept in the mortuary of the Khatushyamji Hospital, where an autopsy will be performed.

The injured have been identified as Shivcharan (50), Manohar (40), Indra Devi (55) of Karnal, Anoji (40) of Alwar. Manohar's condition was critical and was referred to Jaipur.


The stampede was reported at 5.00 a.m., when a large group of devotees gathered for 'darshan' on the occasion of Ekadashi.

As soon as the temple's doors opened in the morning, a frenzy broke out among the devotees who had been waiting in line since late Sunday night.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condoled the death of the three devotees and said, "The death of 3 women devotees due to stampede in Khatushyam ji's 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. Wishing a speedy recovery to the devotees injured in the stampede."

Expressing his anguish, Modi tweeted, "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."

Former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, BJP state president Satish Poonia and former chief minister Vasundhara Raje were among the other leaders who condoled the deaths.

Poonia demanded the state government to release compensation for the kin of those killed and injured. Raje demanded an investigation into the incident and action against the guilty so that such incidents do not recur.