Barabanki group caught in Mansa Devi stampede; farmer dead, many hurt
Several others from the group, including Durga Vati (54), Radhika (40), and Phoolmati from Dhaurmau village, sustained critical injuries.
Harishchandra, former gram pradhan and Vakil's close friend, recounted the tragedy: "At 9 am, we learned Vakil was killed, while my sister-in-law Durga Vati, neighbour Radhika, and Phoolmati were critically injured. Vakil was the most eager among us to visit the temple this year.
The cancellation of our group's two bus bookings was like signs from Mansa Devi Maa as warning, but Vakil insisted on going. Sadly, he didn't return.
"
Vakil is survived by his wife Urmila Devi, who suffered minor injuries, and four children. His elder son Shyamu Verma said, "He was our sole breadwinner. I'm still hunting for a job and my siblings are studying. He was deeply religious and visited temples regularly."
The Barabanki district administration confirmed that Vakil's mortal remains would be brought home by road early Monday morning.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The stampede claimed at least eight lives, including four from Uttar Pradesh: Arush (12) from Bareilly, Vicky (18) from Rampur, and Shanti from Badaun. The incident has sparked calls for improved crowd management and safety measures at pilgrimage sites.
Yogi announces Rs 2L ex gratia
Lucknow: Expressing grief over the loss of lives in stampede in Haridwar, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased people from Uttar Pradesh and directed officials to coordinate with their counterparts in Uttarakhand and hand over bodies of the victims to their families.
In a message on X, the CM said, "The loss of life in the unfortunate accident on the Sri Mansa Devi Temple road in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is extremely sad and heartbreaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Maa Mansa Devi to grant salvation to the departed souls, strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow and speedy recovery to the injured. Om Shanti!"
"Instructions have been given to the officials to coordinate with the Uttarakhand govt and hand over the bodies of the residents of Uttar Pradesh who died in the accident to their home districts," he said.
"The UP govt will provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of each deceased from Uttar Pradesh in this accident," he added.
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