It has been a shocking start to the new year. Atleast 12 people so far have been reported as dead and 14 people injured due to a stampede at Vaishno Devi Shrine. The unfortunate incident took around 3am on Saturday morning.
Thirteen people have sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at the Narayana Super Speciality Hospital. They are reported to be in a critical condition. Eight of the deceased have been identified so far — Dheeraj Kumar (26), Shweta Singh (35), Vinay Kumar (24), Sonu Pandey (24), Mamta (38), Dharamveer Singh (35), Vaneet Kumar (38), and Dr Arun Pratap Singh (30).
According to many reports, the stampede took place due to a mild lathi charge imposed by the local police. The police took the drastic step so as to control the sudden immense rush to the temple which happened during that time.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a high-level inquiry, headed by the Principal Secretary Home and including ADGP Jammu, into the incident.
An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of the deceased and the shrine board would bear the cost of treatment those injured.
The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 25,000 each to the next of kin of the deceased. The yatra, which was stopped following the stampede, has resumed.
