Rumour kills 32 people at Ramleela@Patna

A consternation run at a Ram Leela ceremony in Patna on Friday has killed 32 people and injured over 15 others. The incident occurred as people were returning after the Ravan Vadh at the Gandhi Maidan here. The injured have been admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke to Chief Ministe Jitan Ram Manjhi about the incident, has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the dead. The state government has announced a relief of Rs 3 lakh for the victims and ordered a high level inquest by the State Home Secretary and Additional Director General of Police. The inquest team has been asked to submit the report within 24 hours

The stampede at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan following the Ram Leela ceremony on Friday was apparently triggered by rumours that an electrical wire had snapped with a loud bang making many of to belive as bomb,leading to panic as the people were leaving the venue near the Maurya Lok Hotel.

Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manji was present at the Gandhi Maidan along with a large number of people who had gathered to see the Ravan vadh on the occasion of Vijaydashmi, the last day of Dussehra.

Patna District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma and hospital authorities said among the dead were 27 women and children and five men