A heartbreaking incident has unfolded in Bihar's Nalanda district. A sudden stampede at the famous Sheetla Mata Temple in Magadha village, under the Deepnagar police station area, on Tuesday morning shattered the lives of nine families. Eight female devotees were crushed to death by the crowd, while one male devotee succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the hospital. This historic temple complex, a center of faith, was instantly filled with cries and mourning. Devotees were standing in queues to receive the Mata's darshan.

According to eyewitnesses, thousands of devotees had thronged the temple since dawn, as they do every Tuesday. The prayers were proceeding peacefully, and people were waiting in queues for their turn. Meanwhile, the crowd pressure suddenly increased within the temple complex. Eyewitnesses say someone suddenly raised an alarm, causing panic. In the chaos, people ran, trampling each other, leading to this tragic accident.

Following this horrific accident, the Disaster Management Department has announced an ex-gratia amount of ₹4 lakh to the dependents of the deceased. An additional ₹2 lakh will be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, bringing the total compensation to ₹6 lakh. The Chief Secretary has been directed to conduct a high-level investigation into the incident.

Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary expressed deep condolences over the incident. He posted on X, stating that the accident was extremely painful. The government is providing all possible assistance to the affected families and adequate arrangements have been made for the proper treatment of the injured. He prayed for the peace of the departed souls.

The Patna Commissioner and senior officials from Nalanda are camping at the scene. Police are investigating whether there were any lapses in crowd management or whether someone deliberately spread rumors. CCTV footage from the temple complex and surrounding areas is being examined to determine the exact cause of the accident.