Stampede at Ausaneshwar Mahadev Temple leaves two dead, 29 injured
A total of 29 other devotees, including women and children were also injured in the mishap.
The stampede took place around 2 am during the Jalabhishek ritual. According to initial reports, the chaos was triggered after an electric current spread through the temple premises.
Authorities stated that the electric wires snapped and fell onto a tin shed inside the temple complex after some monkeys jumped on them, causing a short circuit.
As panic spread among the devotees due to the electric shock and the resulting commotion, a stampede broke out. Upon receiving information about the incident, a large police force was deployed to the site. The injured were immediately rushed to Haidergarh and Trivediganj Community Health Centres via ambulances. Those critically injured were referred to the district hospital.
District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi and Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya, along with other senior officials, reached the spot to assess the situation. The DM confirmed the cause of the incident, stating that the broken electric wire had come into contact with the tin shed, leading to the current spread and subsequent chaos.
Among the deceased is Prashant (22), a resident of Mubarakpura, who died during treatment at the Trivediganj CHC. Another unidentified devotee also succumbed to injuries. Ten injured persons were brought to the CHC, out of which five in critical condition were referred for advanced treatment.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the stampede ensued after rumors of electric current spread among the crowd, causing devotees to panic and rush for safety.
Authorities have since brought the situation under control, and two hours after the incident, the temple resumed normalcy, with devotees continuing to offer prayers and perform Jalabhishek in queues.
An investigation into the incident is underway, and officials have assured further safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
UNI PRI RKM
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
44 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
MDMA drug lab busted in Mysuru, Mumbai cops lead raid with Karnataka Police support
An illegal MDMA (Ecstasy) drug manufacturing unit was busted in Mysuru on Saturday by the Maharashtra police, working in close coordination with the Mysuru City police. The joint operation led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of the synthetic drug and the arrest of four individuals, who have since been taken to Mumbai for further investigation. A drug lab was busted by Karnataka and Mumbai Police in a joint operation held at Mysuru. (Representational Image) Also Read - New traffic curbs on Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road to ease congestion, key diversions in place Sources in the police department confirmed that the facility was actively producing MDMA, a powerful psychoactive substance banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The raid was the result of actionable intelligence obtained during an earlier arrest made by the Mumbai police, which subsequently led them to the Mysuru location. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, addressing reporters in Davangere on Sunday, confirmed the development and expressed serious concern over the discovery. "A drug manufacturing centre for MDMA was unearthed in Mysuru through an operation conducted by Mumbai police with support from our local police. Some people have been apprehended. This is extremely alarming," he said. Also Read - Dharmasthala mass burial allegations: SIT steps-up probe, forensic surveys likely soon He further added that while the initial probe was led by Maharashtra authorities, the Karnataka police would conduct a parallel investigation. "Since this occurred in our jurisdiction, we need to find out how long this unit was operating, whether it had been active for more than the 20 days initially suspected, and to whom the drugs were being supplied. All these details will be examined thoroughly," Parameshwara said. Meanwhile, in an unrelated but simultaneous effort to clamp down on drug networks, Bengaluru Police conducted a surprise sweep across 13 police station limits in the city's North Division on Sunday. The operation, officials said, was part of an intensified campaign against suspected drug dealers and habitual offenders. As many as 106 individuals were picked up for questioning during the checks. These included those previously booked in drug-related cases, known drug users, and others whose activities had raised suspicions. Police collected updated information about their movements, employment status, court case appearances, and any outstanding warrants. (With ANI inputs)
News18
an hour ago
- News18
How Monkeys Triggered Stampede At Barabanki Temple During Shravan Somvaar Ritual
Last Updated: The tragedy struck around 2:30 am as thousands of devotees thronged the temple in Haidergarh for Jalabhishek, the ritual of offering water to Lord Shiva during Shravan 2 Dead, Over 40 Injured: How Monkeys, Shravan Somvaar Rush Sparked Off Stampede At Barabanki Temple Hymns and chants meant to please the almighty on the third Monday of the holy month of Shravan turned into shrieks and pain when a high-tension wire snapped from a pole and fell onto a tin shed at the Awsaneshwar Mahadev temple in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The sudden electric shock ran across the temple premises, sparking chaos and a stampede that left two devotees dead and more than 40 injured. Holy ritual turns tragic The tragedy struck around 2:30 am as thousands of devotees thronged the temple in Haidergarh for Jalabhishek, the revered ritual of offering water to Lord Shiva during Shravan. The third Monday of the month is considered especially auspicious, drawing crowds from across the district and beyond. 'We were going to offer water when suddenly a loud noise came from near the third breaker. Soon after, current spread through the area and people began to collapse while some were heard calling for help," said Arjun Kumar, a devotee recovering at the Haidergarh Community Health Centre, told News18. The spark that triggered the stampede District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi said the chain of events began when a troop of monkeys jumped onto an overhead high-tension wire. 'The wire snapped and fell onto the tin shed inside the temple premises. This caused a sudden electric shock, and in panic, devotees began running, leading to a stampede," he explained. The deadly combination of electrocution and a rush to escape worsened the situation. 'Two people lost their lives, and more than 40 sustained injuries in the incident," Tripathi confirmed. The deceased were identified as Ramesh Kumar, 35, and Prashant Kumar, 16. Panic and desperation Eyewitnesses recalled the chaos vividly. 'We were in a long queue when suddenly the shed above us sparked. I felt a jolt and saw people screaming and falling. My sister was electrocuted, and my aunt collapsed," said Shalini Devi, another eyewitness who is still recuperating from the trauma. Ramesh's brother, Moolchand, alleged negligence, claiming devotees had earlier warned police about smoke from the wire. 'We requested them to fix it, but they brushed it aside saying it was due to overloading. Hours later, that very wire snapped and killed my brother," he said. At the district hospital, the mother of 12-year-old Palak, one of the injured, pleaded with folded hands before the Chief Medical Officer. 'Sahab, please treat my daughter well. That is all we ask," she said, underscoring the anguish gripping the families. Barabanki electrocution incident | UP CM Yogi Adityanath announces an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakhs for the bereaved families: CMOSo far, two people have lost their lives in the electrocution incident at the Awsaneshwar Temple, Barabanki, which took place earlier today at 2 am — ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2025 Rescue and medical response Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Awadhesh Yadav said emergency measures were swiftly undertaken. 'Police brought 29 devotees to Haidergarh CHC. Nine were referred to Trivediganj, six to Kothi CHC, and five critical patients were shifted to the district hospital. Two were declared dead on arrival. The total number of injured exceeds 40," he said. Medical teams worked through the night, with additional staff deployed at the district hospital. 'Most of the injured are stable now, but five remain critical," Yadav added. Call for action UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved families and announcing financial aid of Rs 5 lakh each for the kin of the deceased. He directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and ordered a swift inquiry. 'Deeply saddened by the unfortunate accident at Shri Awsaneshwar Mahadev temple in Barabanki. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Relief and medical assistance are being provided," read a message from the Chief Minister's Office on X. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya termed the tragedy 'deeply unfortunate" and urged stronger safety measures at temples. 'Yesterday, a tragedy struck at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple. Today, Barabanki has witnessed one. Faith and devotion are drawing larger crowds, but arrangements must be scaled up accordingly," he said. A grim pattern The Barabanki mishap follows closely on the heels of the stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple on Sunday morning, where eight devotees died and more than 30 were injured. The back-to-back accidents have triggered alarm over crowd management and safety infrastructure at major shrines, particularly during the Shravan month, when footfall multiplies several times. Experts point out that high-voltage power lines near temple premises and poorly maintained electrical systems pose serious risks, especially when large crowds are gathered. Residents and devotees have demanded permanent corrective measures, including underground wiring and better crowd control mechanisms. #WATCH | Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh | Barabanki DM Shashank Tripathi says, 'Devotees came to Ausaneshwar Mahadev temple to offer prayers on Monday of the 'saavan' month. The electric wire broke and fell on the shed. Around 19 people were injured by electric shock. The injured were… — ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2025 Temple authorities react The Awsaneshwar Mahadev temple, located about 40 km from Barabanki district headquarters, is among the most revered Shiva shrines in the region. Every Shravan, thousands undertake barefoot pilgrimages to offer jalabhishek. Temple committee member Mahant Vijay Giri said the shrine had been opened at 1 a.m. and within an hour, the crowd had swelled beyond 2,000. 'The tragedy occurred suddenly after monkeys disturbed the wire. It was beyond our control," he said. However, many locals feel the risk could have been mitigated had authorities taken precautionary steps in advance. Dawn after the disaster top videos View all As daylight broke over Barabanki, the temple premises bore signs of the night's horror—discarded slippers, broken bangles, and half-spilled offerings littered the ground. Grieving families mourned the dead, while authorities conducted inspections. An official inquiry has been ordered to ascertain lapses and prevent a recurrence. But for families like that of Ramesh and Prashant, the inquiry offers little solace. Their night of devotion and faith ended in a devastating loss, underscoring the thin line between celebration and catastrophe when safety is compromised. 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 : news18 specials shravan view comments Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: July 28, 2025, 12:45 IST News india How Monkeys Triggered Stampede At Barabanki Temple During Shravan Somvaar Ritual 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.
Mint
3 hours ago
- Mint
Barabanki stampede LIVE updates: 2 killed, 32 injured in panic at Awsaneshwar Temple
A stampede-like situation was reported in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki early Monday when a huge crowd gathered at the Ausaneshwar Mahadev temple on the third day of the holy month of Shravan. Accoridng to news agency PTI, two people died, and as many as 32 were injured in the incident. What led to Barabanki stampede? Barabanki DM Shashank Tripathi said a monkey jumped on an electric wire, which broke and fell on a shed. Several were injured due to the electric shock. "The injured were taken to Haidergarh and Trivediganj Community Health Centre. 2 people are in a critical situation and have been referred to the District law and order situation is normal here," he said. Follow updates here: 28 Jul 2025, 09:58 AM IST Two people were killed and 32 injured in a stampede at a temple in UP's Barabanki after a live electric wire, broken by monkeys, fell onto a tin shed early on Monday, officials told PTI on Monday.
