Three killed in stampede in Bihar’s Begusarai district

Three women were killed and over a dozen others were injured on Saturday in a stampede on the banks of the Ganga river in Bihar's Begusarai district, an official said.

The incident took place at a major bathing spot at Simaria ghat on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, when thousands of pilgrims gathered for the holy dip.

According to district police officials, the stampede was caused by some rumours.

Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar said the incident occurred in a narrow lane next to the ghat, nearly 100 km from the state capital, where people had gathered in large numbers on the occasion of Karthik Purnima.

"We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede," Kumar said, adding that the women's identities have not been ascertained yet.

Authorities confirmed that the three persons killed were women aged above 80 years. Sources said the death toll might go up. The wounded have been rushed to hospitals for treatment, reported Times of India.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex- gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased and free treatment for those injured in the incident.

With inputs from agencies