Patna, April 1 (IANS) In a major crackdown following the deadly stampede at the Sheetla Mata Temple in Nalanda district, police have arrested four priests and filed a case against 40 people.

The incident, which occurred a day earlier, claimed the lives of nine devotees and left several others injured.

The stampede took place at a temple in Madhada village under the jurisdiction of Deepnagar police station in Nalanda, triggering immediate administrative action.

Given the seriousness of the incident, authorities launched a detailed investigation.

An FIR has been registered at the Deepnagar Police Station against 20 named individuals and 20 unidentified persons.

Preliminary findings indicate that negligence and poor crowd management were key factors behind the tragedy.

Police and administrative teams are continuing their investigation, with raids underway to apprehend other accused individuals.

Meanwhile, an atmosphere of grief and anger prevails among the families of the victims.

The administration has ensured medical treatment for the injured and has provided all possible assistance to those affected.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns regarding crowd control and safety protocols at religious gatherings, especially during peak footfall.

Expressing her condolences, President Droupadi Murmu said the loss of lives in the stampede was deeply distressing.

She extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The president had visited Nalanda on the same day of the stampede. She was the chief guest of Nalanda University during the convocation ceremony held on Tuesday.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also expressed grief over the tragedy, stating that he was deeply pained by the loss of lives and offered condolences to the affected families while wishing a quick recovery to those injured.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh for the families of the deceased.

In addition, the Central government has declared financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

–IANS

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