HARIDWAR, July 27 — A stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar claimed six lives and left at least 35 people injured on Sunday morning after panic broke out among devotees, police said.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when a crowd surged near the temple steps following a rumor that an electric current had spread across the pathway leading to the shrine. Fearing electrocution, pilgrims rushed to escape the area, triggering a stampede.
“Six people have died, and around 35 others were taken to the hospital,” Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobal told PTI Videos. “A false alarm about an electric current sparked fear among those gathered, which led to chaos and the unfortunate incident.”
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with fire brigade units and local police, responded swiftly and remain on site to assist in emergency operations.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and said relief operations were underway. “Very sad news has been received about a stampede on the way to the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar,” he said in a Facebook post. “SDRF, local police and other rescue teams have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations.”
Dhami added that he was in continuous contact with local officials to ensure effective response. “I am constantly in touch with the local administration in this regard, and the situation is being constantly monitored. I pray to Mata Rani for the safety of all the devotees.”
The Mansa Devi temple, dedicated to goddess Shakti, sees a surge of pilgrims during religious festivals and weekends. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the stampede occurred during a specific gathering or ritual.
Officials said the identities of the deceased are being verified, and medical teams are attending to the injured. An inquiry into the incident has been initiated.
