Zee Media Bureau/Manisha Singh
New Delhi: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Madhya Pradesh counterpart, Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Sunday and expressed his condolences on the tragic incident near Ratangarh temple in which many people died due to a stampede.
The BJP`s prime ministerial candidate tweeted – "Saddened by unfortunate stampede at Ratangarh temple. Spoke to Shivraj ji and expressed my condolences." He further said, "Prayers with victims and families."
The stampede occurred when the devotees were on their way to offer prayers at the Durga temple in Datia district on the last day of the Navratri festival. The mishap happened when a narrow bridge over the Sindh river became overcrowded and a rumour occurred that the bridge was about to collapse, as per reports.
Deputy Inspector General of Police DK Arya told the media that the situation was under contro. However, he feared that the toll might increase as there were many people who were critically injured.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, expressing grief over the incident, declared that a judicial inquiry would be conducted into the incident. He also declared a compensation of Rs1.5 lakh to the kin of each of those killed in the stampede. He sought the permission of the Election Commission before announcing the compensation.
Elections in the state are due on November 25.
Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi too expressed deep anguish at the tragic incident that occurred today.
Ratangarh Durga Mata temple is located in a forest on the banks of Sindh river.
