Jehanabad, August 12 – At least seven devotees have died and around 50 others have been injured in a stampede at the Siddhinath temple on Vanavar Hill in Bihar's Jehanabad district. The incident occurred during a religious event on the fourth Monday of the Shravan month, a significant time when devotees pour water on the Shiva lingam.

The tragedy unfolded when a sudden surge of devotees led to a stampede at the temple. The overwhelming crowd resulted in at least seven fatalities, including five women and two men, as devotees were trampled. The stampede also left approximately 50 individuals injured, with several in critical condition.

Reports indicate that the stampede began around midnight when the crowd's intensity increased. Initial claims suggest that the rush may have been exacerbated by police intervention; allegations have surfaced that police used batons to control the crowd, which potentially triggered the chaos.

The Siddhinath temple, renowned for its historical significance and believed to be constructed during the Gupta dynasty, has been a focal point of devotion. The tragic incident has raised serious concerns about crowd management and safety measures at religious gatherings.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the stampede and the role of police in the incident. The local community is mourning the loss and calling for better management of large gatherings to prevent future tragedies.