Haridwar Stampede Horror: 6 Killed at Mansa Devi Temple As Crowd Surge, CM Dhami Responds

At least six people lost their lives and over 15 others were injured in a tragic stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 9 am on the stairway route leading to the revered shrine.

According to Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit, the chaos was sparked by a rumour about a live electric wire on the pathway, which sent a large crowd of devotees into panic. "Initial reports confirm six deaths and injuries to 10-15 people. A few critically injured devotees have been referred to higher medical facilities," he said.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) commandant Arpan Yaduvansi said, "We dispatched three teams to the site immediately. Relief and rescue operations are in full swing."

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his grief over the incident, saying, "Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede. SDRF, police, and medical teams are on site. I am monitoring the situation closely."

Eyewitness Accounts and Probe
Eyewitnesses reported that someone shouted about an electric current on the stairway, creating panic among pilgrims. Local priest Ujjwal Pundit said, "Around 9:15 am we heard people crying for help. A narrow footpath and a boundary wall worsened the chaos."

One pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh added, "It looked like about 20 people were injured. The temple gates were shut after the incident, and devotees were asked to leave."

Inquiry Ordered Into Incident
A magisterial probe has been ordered to investigate the exact cause. Officials have denied the presence of any electric current at the site. "The panic appears to have been caused solely by a rumour," said DM Dixit.

Perched atop Bilwa Parvat in the Shivalik Hills, Mansa Devi Temple is one of Haridwar's most sacred shrines. Pilgrims can reach the temple by trekking a 1.5 km uphill path or using the ropeway system. The site sees a heavy footfall, especially on Sundays and during festivals.