7 killed in stampede at temple in India’s Bihar state

NEW DELHI

At least seven devotees were killed and many others injured in a stampede at a temple in India’s Bihar state, officials said early Monday.

The incident took place in Jehanabad district on the intervening night between Sunday and Monday.

A statement issued by the local administration said seven people died and 16 others were injured in the stampede at Baba Siddhnath Temple.

It said authorities had received a report that there was a scuffle inside the temple, leading to the stampede.

Alankrita Pandey, top senior civil official, said security personnel deployed at the temple rushed to the spot and the situation is now under control.

English daily The Indian Express in a report said some local residents blamed poor crowd management and a baton charge by police for the incident.