Stampede at Gangasagar fair, PM Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs

Shobhit Kalra
Published on: 16 Jan 2017 5:45 AM GMT
Stampede at Gangasagar fair, PM Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs
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West Bengal: Stampede at Gangasagar fair, 6 dead, 15 injured

Kolkata: At least six people were killed and more than 35 were injured in a stampede at the Gangasagar in West Bengal on Sunday where pilgrims gathered to take a dip in the water on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Stampede happened at Jetty No 5 of Kachuberia area while people were boarding the boat.

The incident took place when devotees tried to board a launch at the Kachuberia Ghat.

"Six aged women died at Kachuberia temporary hospital due to heart attack. They had fallen senseless due to asphyxiation," said Manturam Pakhira, State Sundarbans Development Minister.

Three of the devotees took last breathe at spot while others were declared dead at hospital.

According to West Bengal's panchayat and rural development Minister Subrata Mukherjee, three of the devotees who have lost their lives were from Uttar Pradesh.

Minister further added that the cause of the accident was the rush at jetty number 5 to get the boat.

The injured were immediately rushed to the hospital.

The state government has announced the compensation of Rs 5 lakhs for the victims while Prime Minister approved ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand for the people who were injured in a stampede.

PM Modi condoled the death in a stampede and tweeted:

https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/820658378565447685

https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/820658508064497664

In may be mentioned that, this year more than One million pilgrims across the world had gathered at Gangasagar Island, around 150 kilometres from Kolkata for the annual Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankanti.

Shobhit Kalra

Shobhit Kalra

Writer has 10 years of experience in digital media. Presently working as Chief Sub Editor at newstrack.com. An avid reader and always willing to learn new things and techniques.

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