At least 19 killed in stampede during Baba Jai Gurudev's sabha near Varanasi; PM Narendra Modi 'deeply saddened'

At least 19 people were killed in stampede at Rajghat bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli area in Uttar Pradesh.

Varanasi: At least 19 people were killed in a stampede at Rajghat bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli area in Uttar Pradesh.

The unfortunate incident happened during Baba Jai Gurudev's sabha in the holy city.

The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of Ganga to take part in the two-day camp, police said.

The local administration has swung into action and relief operations are underway.

Reports say that the stampede happened as crowd management failed on Rajghat bridge on river Ganga.

Expressing grief over the untoward incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. 

The PM took to his Twitter account to express his views. He said: "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured."

"I have spoken to officials & asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi," his another tweet said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced Rs 2 lakhs compensation each for kin of those killed in the stampede and Rs 50,000 each for the critically injured.

A government spokesman in Lucknow said that the situation in Chandauli is being monitored and all necessary measures were being taken.