7 killed, several injured in stampede-like incident at Bihar's Ashokdham Temple

At least seven people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries in a tragic stampede at Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar on Monday, according to police reports. Shailendra Kumar, the Deputy Commissioner of Lakhisarai, confirmed the incident and stated that the crowd had swelled to an unprecedented level. Two trains arriving at around 6:30-6:45 am further exacerbated the situation.

An electric pole reportedly fell, resulting in electrocutions and triggering a chaotic stampede. The SDPO, Shivam Kumar, reported that arrangements had been made for the large gathering, but a broken barricade on one side led to people falling on top of each other. Ten to fifteen individuals were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Ashokdham Temple, also known as Indradamneshwar Mahadev Temple, is a revered Lord Shiva shrine in the Lakhisarai district, known for its crowded atmosphere during the holy months of Sawan and Shivratri, when thousands of devotees flock to offer prayers. In March, another stampede occurred at Sheetla Mata Temple in Nalanda, claiming eight lives and injuring twelve others amidst heavy crowds.