Rajasthan: Stampede at Khatu Shyam temple in Sikar kills three people, two others injured

At least three people died in a stampede that took place in at Khatu Shyam temple in Rajasthan's Sikar in the wee hours of Monday. Two other persons injured in the mishap have been admitted to a nearby hospital. 

According to reports, the stampede occured at around 5 am at the temple's entrance gate during a monthly fair.

Those killed in the incident were all women. Police officials rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the incident. 

The mishap occurred on the 11th day of the nuclear calendar, which is considered auspicious for darshan of Khatu Shyam Ji who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna.  

According to the police, a large crowd gathered outside the temple this morning, waiting for the doors to open. As soon as the gates were opened, people rushed to get in and a woman reportedly fainted. This caused others behind her to fall as well. In the ensuing chaos, three women lost their lives.  

NDTV quoted Sikar SP Kunwar Rashtradeep saying that the situation was brought under control and the crowd was being regulated. 

Expressing grief on the incident, Prime Minister Narendra 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."

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also condoled the deaths. "The demise of three women is unfortunate. My condolences to the bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured devotees."