A stampede at Baba Siddhnath Temple in Jehanabad led to seven deaths and multiple injuries during ‘Somwari’ prayers. The incident was caused by a clash between a flower vendor and devotees.

PATNA: At least seven people died and several others were injured in a stampede at Baba Siddhnath Temple located on Baravar hills in Makhdumpur block of Jehanabad district.
The incident occurred at the intervening nights of Sunday and Monday as devotees had gathered for the prayers on ‘Somwari‘. As per locals, a clash broke out between a flower vendor near the temple and few Kanwarias, leading to stampede in the area.
Jehanabad district magistrate Alankrita Pandey confirmed the deaths of seven people and said 16 others were injured. She said ten with minor injuries were discharged after first aid. “Three people who had suffered fractures were sent to Anugraha Narayan Medical College and Hospital in Gaya and others were being treated at the primary health centre and district hospitals,” said Pandey.
She said the cause of the death was a clash between local flower seller and the devotees. “That flower seller has abscounded after the incident and searches are going on to nab him,” said Pandey adding a committee of ADM (revenue), ADM (disaster), SDO and other officials have been formed to investigate the matter and submit the report in three days.
Pandey also denied any lathicharge by those deployed for the management