Varanasi stampede: Death toll mounts to 24, PM expresses grief, announces ex-gratia

New Delhi, Oct 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed grief at the loss of lives in a stampede in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, and announced an ex- gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed.

He also directed officials to ensure all possible help is extended to those affected. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured," he tweeted.

"I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi," he said in another tweet.

Modi sanctioned ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Twenty-four people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede on an overcrowded Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli when followers of a religious leader were crossing it to attend a congregation this afternoon.

The incident took place in Ramnagar police station area of Varanasi when thousands of followers of Jai Gurudev were proceeding towards Domri village in Chandauli for the two-day samagam (camp) which began today,

PTI