CHENNAI: At least seven people were killed and 10 others injured due to a stampede during a local temple festival at Muthiampalayam village near Thuraiyur in Tamil Nadu on Sunday.


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According to police, the tragedy occurred when hundreds of people gathered for the 'padikasu' (temple coin) distribution ceremony, held as part of annual 'Chithira Pournami' festival, at the 'Karupu Swamy' (a rural deity) temple in Muthiampalayam village.


Expressing shock and grief over the deaths, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims.



PM Modi tweeted that all possible assistance is being provided to the authorities to help those injured in the tragedy. 



 



Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami too expressed anguish over the loss of lives in the incident and ordered a solatium of Rs one lakh each and Rs 50,000 to the injured.


According to eyewitnesses, the tragedy occurred when the priest started distributing the coins and a section of devotees surged forward to collect them.


Seven people, including four women, died on the spot while ten others were seriously injured and have been hospitalised, they said.


Distribution of the coins is the main event of the festival, which draws a large number of devotees from in and around the village. 


Devotees believe keeping the temple coins at home in their cash box will bring prosperity.


A temple official, on condition of anonymity, said there was no effort to control the crowd nor was there enough security personnel to bring the situation under control.


District authorities said the matter was being looked into and action would be taken against those responsible for the mishap. 


(With Agency inputs)