Vaishno Devi stampede: High-level probe ordered

New Delhi, Jan 01: A high-level probe has been ordered following the stampede at Vaishno Devi in which 12 pilgrims lost their lives.

Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir said that a high level inquiry has been ordered into the incident. The probe would be headed by the Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP (Jammu) and Divisional Commissioner (Jammu) as the members.

Singh also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the family of those killed in the incident. Rs 2 lakh would be given to those injured in the incident. Further the Central Government also announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet. Union Minister, Jitendra Singh has rushed to Katra to take stock of the situation.

The incident took place at 2.45 am, Jammu and Kashmir Police chief, Dilbag Singh told news agency ANI. He said that as per initial reports an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed buy a stampede. The incident happened the gate number three outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine at Trikuta Hills.