Jodhpur says 'no Eid', temple death toll at 180

Jodhpur, Oct 1: Death toll rose to an unblievable 180 in the Chamunda Mata temple stampede in Jodhpur on Tuesday, Sep 28- the first-day of Navaratri celebrations.

According to sources, devotees gathered at the temple situated on a hill top when the tragedy took place after some devotees slipped on a slope causing the stampede. A huge number of devotees had gathered at the temple from early morning in view of the Navratra festival. The injured are undergoing treatment at various hospitals. Director General of Police (DGP), Rajasthan, K S Bains, however, said that nearly 100 people were injured in the incident.

Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said sufficient police deployment had been ensured and there were separate queues for men and women.

But there was a huge rush in the queue for men and some people slipped on a slope, which led to the stampede, Kataria said.

According to sources, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will visit Jodhpur and has ordered a judicial probe into the incident. Most of the Muslim forums in Jodhpur, showing their solidarity has abstained from celebrating Eid on Thursday, Oct 2. "We will mourn the dead rather than celebrate our festival", say the residents of Jodhpur. Posters are being put-up in Jodhpur asking all Muslims to mourn their dead brothers.

ANI