Bengaluru stampede: A list of major stampedes in India
Over 50 people have been killed in stampedes in 2025 so far at temples, railway stations, and at the Maha Kumbh, among others.
Here is a list of some major tragedies that have taken place in the country in the recent years:
June 4, 2025: The RCB victory celebration of the team's maiden IPL win in 18 years turned into tragedy as at least 11 fans died and several were injured in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
May 3, 2025: At least seven persons were killed and 80 people injured in a stampede in North Goa's Shirgao village in Bicholim taluka, where lakhs of devotees thronged to participate in the annual 'Lairai Jatra' at Shree Lairai Devi Temple.
February 15, 2025: At least 18 people were killed and more than a dozen injured in a stampede that broke out late at night at the New Delhi Railway Station. Most of the passengers who died where Maha Kumbh pilgrims.
January 29, 2025: Thirty people were killed and 60 injured in a pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh as millions of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar.
January 8, 2025: At least six devotees were killed and dozens injured in a stampede as hundreds of them jostled for tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala Hills.
December 4, 2024:A 35-year-old woman died and a boy was injured at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad in a stampede where Allu Arjun's blockbuster 'Pushpa 2' was screened.
August 12, 2024: Seven people diedand 10 were injured in a stampede at Baba Siddhnath Temple on Banavar hillock in central Bihar. The incident occurred during a crowded puja (worship) event on the fourth Monday of the holy Shrawan month.
July 2, 2024: More than 100 people, including women and children, were killed after a stampede broke out at a 'satsang' (prayer meeting) organised by a self-styled godman, Bhole Baba aka Narayan Saakar Hari, in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras.
March 31, 2023: At least 36 people died when the slab constructed on top of an ancient 'bawdi' or well collapsed during a 'havan' programme held on the occasion of Ram Navami at a temple in Indore city.
January 1, 2022: At least 12 people died and over a dozen were injured in a stampede at the famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir triggered by a heavy rush of devotees.
September 29, 2017: Twenty-three people lost their lives and 36 were injured in the stampede on the narrow bridge connecting the Elphinstone Road station of the Western Railway with Parel station of the Central Railway in Mumbai.
July 14, 2015: Twenty-seven pilgrims died and 20 others were injured in a stampede at a major bathing spot on the banks of the Godavari river where a huge crowd of devotees had gathered on the opening day of 'Pushkaram' festival in Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh.
October 3, 2014: Thirty-two people were killed and 26 others injured in a stampede at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, shortly after the Dussehra celebrations ended.
October 13, 2013: 115 people were killed and over 100 injured in a stampede during the Navratri festivities near Ratangarh temple in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district. The stampede was triggered by rumours that a river bridge the devotees were crossing was about to collapse.
November 19, 2012: Around 20 people were killed and many others injured as a makeshift bridge caved in, triggering a stampede during the Chhath Puja at Adalat Ghat on the bank of river Ganga in Patna.
November 8, 2011: At least 20 people were killed in a stampede in Haridwar at Har-ki-Pauri ghat on the banks of the Ganga river.
January 14, 2011:At least 104 Sabarimala devotees were killed and over 40 were injured in a stampede when a jeep crashed into homebound pilgrims at Pulmedu in Kerala's Idukki district.
March 4, 2010: About 63 people were killed in a stampede at Ram Janki Temple of Kripalu Maharaj in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district as people gathered to collect free clothes and food from the self-styled godman.
September 30, 2008: Nearly 250 devotees were killed and over 60 injured in a stampede triggered by rumours of a bomb going off at Chamunda Devi temple in Rajasthan's Jodhpur city.
August 3, 2008: 162 dead, 47 injured in a stampede triggered by rumours of rockslides at Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district.
January 25, 2005: Over 340 devotees were trampled to death and hundreds injured during an annual pilgrimage at Mandhardevi temple in Maharashtra's Satara district. The accident occurred when some people fell down on the steps made slippery by the devotees breaking coconuts.
August 27, 2003: 39 people were killed and around 140 injured in a stampede during the holy bath at the Kumbh Mela in Maharashtra's Nashik district.
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News18
an hour ago
- News18
10 Years Of Probe, 7 In Trial, 17 For Verdict: A Timeline Of The 2008 Malegaon Blast Case
Last Updated: The trial, which started in 2018, got over on April 19, 2025, with the verdict set to be delivered today 17 years after the incident took place in September 2008 Seventeen years after a blast rocked Maharashtra's communally sensitive Malegaon, an NIA court is likely to deliver its verdict in the highly polarising case – complete with its own set of twists and turns – on Thursday. Six persons were killed and more than 100 injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in the town, located about 200 km from Mumbai, on September 29, 2008. The trial, which started in 2018, got over on April 19, 2025, and the case was reserved for judgement. The case was initially probed by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) before being transferred to the NIA in 2011. Seven accused, including BJP leader and former MP Pragya Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, faced trial in the case for offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA, and the Indian Penal Code. Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sameer Kulkarni are the other accused. 2008-2009: THE BIG TWIST The Maharashtra ATS, led by Hemant Karkare, takes over the investigation and, for the first time in India, it is alleged that the blast was carried out by individuals linked to Hindu right-wing groups. October 2008: Now a BJP leader, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Shrikant Purohit of the Indian Army are arrested. The two are alleged to have links to Abhinav Bharat, a Hindu right-wing group, and suspected of carrying out a 'revenge attack" on the Muslim community. November 2008: Evidence, including the motorcycle used in the blast allegedly owned by Thakur, is recovered. Chief investigator and special IGP Hemant Karkare is martyred in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. 2009-2011: THE POLITICS OF IT The ATS widens its net and makes more arrests, including other right-wing activists like Dayanand Pandey, Sameer Kulkarni, and Ajay Rahirkar. But there is massive political backlash as Hindutva outfits accuse the probe of being politically motivated. January 2009: The ATS files its first chargesheet naming 11 accused and three wanted persons, with Thakur and Lt Col Purohit as key conspirators. Charges include provisions of the UAPA, IPC, and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). July 31, 2009: MCOCA charges are dropped by a special court citing lack of evidence related to other cases against the accused. July 19, 2010: The Bombay High Court reinstates MCOCA charges. April 13, 2011: The case is transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). 2016-2017: NIA ALLEGATIONS, KEY ACCUSED GRANTED BAIL In a significant development, the NIA drops MCOCA charges from its supplementary chargesheet and accuses the ATS of planting evidence and forced confessions. In 2017, the key accused in the case – Thakur and Lt Col Purohit – are granted bail. May 13, 2016: The NIA files a supplementary chargesheet, dropping MCOCA charges stating that the application of the law by the ATS is questionable. It alleges that the ATS planted evidence and used coercive tactics during questioning. April 25, 2017: The Bombay High Court grants bail to Thakur on health grounds. August 21, 2017: The Supreme Court grants bail to Lt Col Purohit after nine years in jail. December 27, 2017: MCOCA charges are dropped but a special court refuses to discharge Thakur and six other accused, ordering them to face trial under the UAPA, IPC, and the Explosive Substances Act. 2018 TO PRESENT: TRIAL & VERDICT The trial in the case began 10 years after the tragic incident with the verdict now set to be delivered 17 years later. October 30, 2018: Charges are framed against seven accused, including Thakur and Lt Col Purohit. December 2018: Trial formally begins. September 2023: Prosecution closes its evidence, having examined 323 witnesses with 37 turning hostile. April 19, 2025: Final arguments conclude, and the court reserves its judgment. July 31, 2025: Verdict awaited. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : 2008 Malegaon Blast view comments Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: July 31, 2025, 01:48 IST News india 10 Years Of Probe, 7 In Trial, 17 For Verdict: A Timeline Of The 2008 Malegaon Blast Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Malegaon Blast Case Verdict Today, 17 Years After The Deadly Explosion
17 years after a powerful blast hit Malegaon in Maharashtra, a special NIA court in Mumbai will pronounce its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case today. The explosion, on the night of September 29, 2008, near Bhikku Chowk in Malegaon, killed six people and left more than a hundred injured. A low-intensity bomb fitted to a motorcycle went off near a busy intersection, triggering panic and chaos in the communally sensitive town. Initially investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the case saw a dramatic turn when the probe led to the arrest of individuals linked to Hindu right-wing groups - giving rise to the controversial political phrase "Hindu terror." Among those arrested were former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and former Army officer Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit, who both denied involvement and were later granted bail. The case was transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011, which re-registered the offence and conducted further investigations. Since then, multiple chargesheets and supplementary reports have been filed. The trial began in 2018 after charges were formally framed against seven accused. Over the course of the trial, the court examined 323 prosecution witnesses and eight defence witnesses. A large volume of evidence was submitted, including more than 10,800 exhibits and over 400 articles seized during the investigation. Approximately 40 witnesses turned hostile during the proceedings. Final arguments from the prosecution and defence concluded in April 2025. The prosecution submitted detailed written arguments spanning over 1,300 pages, along with legal citations and documentary evidence. The judgment was reserved on April 19. The verdict will be pronounced by A K Lahoti of the Special NIA Court, Mumbai. All seven accused are currently out on bail. The Malegaon case has remained at the centre of legal, political, and ideological debates in India. With the court now set to decide on guilt or innocence, the verdict is expected to have significant ramifications across political and legal spheres. The 2 Main Accused-Sadhvi Pragya And Lt Col Purohit Among the seven on trial, Sadhvi Pragya and Lt Col Purohit emerged as the most prominent and controversial accused in the case. Sadhvi Pragya, a former Member of Parliament from Bhopal, was arrested in October 2008. The motorcycle used in the blast was registered in her name. The Maharashtra ATS claimed that she was part of a larger conspiracy to target Muslim-dominated areas in retaliation for earlier terror attacks. Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur's motorcycle was allegedly used in the blast Lt Col Purohit, then an Indian Army officer posted in military intelligence, was accused of providing logistical and material support to a radical Hindu group named Abhinav Bharat, which the ATS alleged was behind the Malegaon blast. Investigators claimed Purohit helped arrange explosives and was part of meetings where attacks were allegedly planned. Both have denied the charges, alleging they were falsely implicated and tortured during the probe. JP Mishra, advocate representing Sadhvi Pragya said, "The ATS planted evidence against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and the other accused, because they couldn't find any evidence. MCOCA was slapped without any basis, accused were tortured. They fabricated evidence to prove their propaganda of 'saffron terror'. We are certain that truth will prevail and my client will be acquitted." The NIA, after taking over the case in 2011, dropped certain charges initially framed by the ATS, including those under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), but retained charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code. Both accused were granted bail in 2017. ATS's Claims (Initial Investigation) The Malegaon blast was initially investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The ATS, then led by Hemant Karkare, claimed that the blast was carried out by individuals linked to right-wing Hindu extremist groups. Their investigation marked a turning point in Indian counter-terrorism narratives, as it was the first time that individuals associated with Hindu organisations were accused of terrorism. The ATS arrested Sadhvi Pragya, whose motorcycle was allegedly used in the blast. Investigators claimed that she was actively involved in the planning and had provided the vehicle to the perpetrators. Lt Col Purohit was arrested later and accused of being a key ideologue and facilitator. The ATS alleged that Purohit, through his association with the group Abhinav Bharat, arranged meetings, recruited individuals, and procured RDX used in the blast. The ATS claimed the blast was part of a broader plan to carry out retaliatory attacks against Muslims. Statements from co-accused and witnesses were cited, including allegations that meetings were held in Bhopal, Faridabad, and other locations where the idea of forming a "Hindu Rashtra" and launching attacks was discussed. The ATS charged the accused under stringent laws, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). NIA's Arguments (Post-2011 Investigation) In April 2011, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the case. While the NIA continued with the prosecution of the main accused, its findings diverged in some crucial areas from the ATS's earlier version. In its supplementary charge sheet filed in 2016, the NIA dropped charges under MCOCA and exonerated several individuals previously named by the ATS, citing lack of prosecutable evidence. NIA found serious loopholes in ATS probe and alleged that accused were tortured to extract confessional statements. The NIA, however, kept the charges under UAPA, IPC, and Arms Act intact against key accused like Sadhvi Pragya and Lt Col Purohit. The agency's case rested on the involvement of Abhinav Bharat, which it said was the ideological front where meetings were held to discuss retaliatory attacks. Although the NIA sought to discharge Thakur from the case, the special court held that there was sufficient prima facie evidence to proceed with her trial. Purohit, it alleged, had a larger role, supplying explosives, ideological support, and coordinating with other group members. The prosecution submitted over 1,300 pages of written arguments and cited forensic evidence, call data records, and statements from witnesses to support its claims. It examined 323 prosecution witnesses during the trial. Defence's Position The defence teams representing Sadhvi Pragya, Lt Col Purohit, and the other accused have denied all charges and claimed that the case is based on fabricated evidence and political motivation. For Sadhvi Pragya, the defence argued that the ownership of the motorcycle did not prove her involvement in the blast. She claimed the vehicle had been in someone else's possession for months. Her lawyers accused the ATS of implicating her without any direct evidence and questioned the credibility of witnesses whose statements were later withdrawn. Lt Col Purohit's defence centered on the claim that he was working as an undercover Army officer, infiltrating Abhinav Bharat to gather intelligence on extremist activities. His legal team said he had kept his superiors informed, and there was no evidence to show he supported or facilitated the blast. They further alleged that evidence was planted and RDX traces were manipulated by the ATS to frame him. Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit is accused of floating Abhinav Bharat The defence also pointed to the large number of hostile witnesses - nearly 40 - who retracted their earlier statements given to the ATS. They argued that the investigation lacked consistency and that key procedural lapses, including forced confessions and custodial abuse, undermined the prosecution's case. Ramesh Upadhyay, an accused on the case, said, "The investigation done by various agencies are totally fraud and false. They have framed us and cooked up evidence. We were tortured in police custody by the ATS, witnesses were also tortured to implicate us. The witnesses later retracted their statements taken out of coercion." In addition, the defence highlighted that the NIA itself dropped serious charges, including MCOCA, which weakened the theory of an organised crime conspiracy. They accused successive governments of politicising the case, especially with the usage of terms like "Hindu terror," and claimed the accused were being targeted for their ideological background. Sameer Kulkarni, an accused said, "Truth will be out on July 31. Case collapsed after the NIA took over, many witnesses turned hostile and many accused were also discharged. We hope top cops who misused their power to frame us will be punished." Political Reverberations The case became a national political flashpoint, as it was the first time individuals associated with Hindu right-wing groups were accused of terrorism. The term "Hindu terror" or "saffron terror" was widely used in political debates, with the Congress party backing the investigation at the time and BJP accusing it of defaming an entire community. BJP, in later years, strongly criticised the Congress for coining the term and fielded Sadhvi Pragya as a Lok Sabha candidate in 2019 - a move that further polarised public discourse. Conclusion The ATS built the initial framework of the case around a theory of right-wing terrorism, naming prominent individuals linked to Hindu nationalist groups. The NIA upheld the core allegation of a planned terrorist act but revised parts of the case, including dropping MCOCA and discharging some accused. The defence, in turn, maintained that the case is politically tainted and lacks credible, admissible evidence. As the Special NIA Court prepares to deliver its verdict, the judgment is expected to have lasting legal, political, and social impact, bringing closure to a case that has shaped the discourse on terror and investigation in India for nearly two decades. Key Milestones In The Case September 29, 2008: Blast kills six in Malegaon October 2008: ATS arrests Sadhvi Pragya, later followed by Purohit January 2009: First charge sheet filed by ATS April 2011: NIA takes over the case 2016: NIA files supplementary charge sheet, drops some charges but retains key terror charges 2018: Charges formally framed against seven accused 2018-2023: Prosecution examines 323 witnesses; Approximately 40 turn hostile April 2025: Final arguments conclude. Judgment reserved The Trial: One Of India's Longest Terror Cases The Malegaon blast trial has been one of the most complex and politically sensitive terror trials in recent memory: Over 10,800 exhibits were submitted 404 articles were seized and tagged as evidence The court examined 323 prosecution witnesses and 8 defence witnesses Nearly 40 witnesses turned hostile, including some key ones linked to the early ATS probe The trial spanned five different NIA judges The prosecution submitted its final written arguments in three volumes, totalling over 1,300 pages, in April 2025. Both sides were allowed rebuttals, and the verdict was reserved on April 19, 2025
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Arrest and unrest: on arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh
The arrest of two Catholic nuns by the Chhattisgarh police on charges of human trafficking and forced conversion is another instance of growing religion-related harassment. Keralite Sisters Preeti Mary and Vandana Francis, from the order of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate, were escorting three tribal girls to an Agra convent for jobs when they were apprehended from Durg railway station on July 25 after a Bajrang Dal member filed a complaint. They have been booked under Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968 (conversion) and Section 143 of the BNS (trafficking). While Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai insisted that the nuns were engaging in 'human trafficking and conversion... through inducement', the kin of the girls have since clarified that there was no forceful conversion and they had given their consent to be taken to Agra. The arrests have led to condemnation across the political spectrum against communal vigilantism. Leaders across political lines have protested. Ruling Left Democratic Front and Opposition United Democratic Front MPs from Kerala held dharnas outside Parliament, and the Catholic Church, through its official mouthpiece, Deepika, and other church organisations too denounced the arrests. This is not the first time that a proselytisation row has erupted involving Christian missionaries. Last year marked 25 years of the brutal killing of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons in Odisha. Despite the fact that the Constitution provides citizens the right to practise and propagate the religion of their choice, several States, including U.P., M.P., Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha, have misused provisions of anti-conversion laws that were intended only to prevent conversion through force or fraud or allurement. These laws are often used to criminalise interfaith marriages by labelling conversion by marriage as unlawful. In tribal-dominated regions such as Jharkhand, there is another tension brewing between Adivasis and both Christian tribals and Hindus. While Hindutva groups with the RSS's backing are exhorting tribals to wake up to their Hindu roots, tribal outfits are resisting this and demanding a separate Sarna religious code. Tribal outfits allege that the Hindu groups are doing the same thing as Christian missionaries to subsume their distinct culture. In Chhattisgarh, which has around a 2% Christian population according to the 2011 Census, there is also a debate on whether tribals who are converting to Christianity should be delisted from the Scheduled Tribes. In such a churn, the onus is on political, religious and social organisations to focus on economic development, jobs and welfare. Government machineries should be used to enforce rights, guaranteed by the Constitution, not violate them.
