Nalanda: People gather at the spot after a stampede broke out during prayers at Madhda Sheetla Temple, leaving several dead and injuring others, in Nalanda on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Photo: IANS Video Grab)
Nalanda, March 31 (IANS) Eight people have died while eight others were injured in the Nalanda stampede on Tuesday, police confirmed.
A stampede broke out during prayers at Mata Sheetla Temple in Nalanda.
In a statement, the police said that earlier in the day, the situation at the Maa Sheetla Temple -- located within the jurisdiction of the Deepnagar Police Station -- "suddenly spiralled out of control due to severe overcrowding during worship rituals."
"According to information received thus far, this unfortunate incident has resulted in the deaths of eight devotees and injuries to eight others," the police said.
Upon learning about the incident, police officials, together with residents, hurried to the location and initiated relief and rescue efforts. Visuals from the scene depicted numerous devotees assembled within the temple grounds.
The Nalanda District Police Administration reached the scene immediately to commence relief and rescue operations, officials said.
The injured were admitted to nearby hospitals for advanced medical care, where they are currently receiving appropriate treatment.
The site of the incident has been inspected by Animesh Kumar Parashar, Commissioner of the Patna Division, and other senior officials.
Furthermore, Kundan Kumar, District Magistrate of Nalanda, Nalanda Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni, and Deputy Development Commissioner of Nalanda Shubham Kumar are present at the scene, supervising the relief and rescue operations and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place, the officials said.
The situation is currently under control.
The District Administration has initiated an inquiry into the incident, and necessary action is being taken.
CCTV footage installed within the temple premises is currently being reviewed.
"A scientific and thorough inspection of the incident site is being conducted by an FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) team," the police statement read.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic Nalanda stampede and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50 lakhs for those affected.
Nalanda stampede: CM Nitish Kumar expresses grief, announces ex-gratia of Rs 6 lakh for kin of each victim
After a deadly stampede in Bihar’s Nalanda district claimed eight lives and injured several others, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep grief and announced compensation for the victims.
The state government will provide Rs 6 lakh each to the families of the deceased -- Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Relief Fund and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Bihar Water Resource Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the government has taken the matter seriously and that the Chief Minister is continuously monitoring the situation.
He assured that all injured persons are being provided proper medical care at the government’s expense.
Describing the tragedy as “heart-wrenching”, the minister said relief and rescue operations were launched immediately and that officials have been directed to ensure all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also expressed sorrow over the incident, calling it deeply painful. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured, assuring that the government stands firmly with those affected.
The incident occurred at the ancient Sheetla Mata Temple in Maghra village under the Deepnagar police station area, where a large number of devotees had gathered on the occasion of Sheetlashtami during the holy month of Chaitra.
Amid the large crowd, panic suddenly broke out, triggering a stampede.
According to reports, at least eight people, including seven women, lost their lives, while dozens of others sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. Some reports have indicated the toll could be higher, and officials are verifying the exact number.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the heavy crowd and lack of space inside the temple premises led to sudden chaos, resulting in the stampede.
Rescue teams and local administration rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to hospitals.
Relief and rescue operations are currently underway, while authorities are expected to investigate the exact cause of the stampede and assess whether adequate crowd management measures were in place.
