Temple stampede toll reaches 196

Jodhpur, Oct 1 (UNI) The toll in the Chamunda Mata temple stampede yesterday, has risen to 196 and is likely to rise further.

Divisional Commissioner Kiran Soni Gupta said 196 deaths had already been confirmed in the yesterday's temple tragedy and 27 other cases of doubtful deaths were being verified.

Ms Gupta said that reports had been lodged by the kins of 50 to 60 victims who were dead at the Chamunda Mata temple yesterday.

''This happened because relatives of the deceased had taken the victims directly to their homes and their names probably could not be included in the official toll lists,'' Ms Gupta said.

Meanwhile,the administration today started the disbursement of the exgratia announced by the state government for the victims.

A congress committee constituted by the party to probe into circumstances of the incident, held the state administration responsible for the tragdy. The party also demanded a compensation of Rs.five lakss for each deceased and a goverment job to one of their family members.

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