Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief and announced Rs 6 lakh each (₹4 lakh from Disaster Management + ₹2 lakh from CM Relief Fund) for victims’ families and directed proper treatment for the injured.
Nalanda Maa Sheetla Temple Stampede: A major stampede struck at the Mata Shitalashtami Temple in Maghra, Nalanda, leaving at least eight women dead and many injured. Panic and chaos erupted as devotees scrambled for safety. Two victims have been identified: Rita Devi (50) and Rekha Devi (45), both from nearby areas. The injured are receiving treatment at Model Hospital. The incident occurred as crowds swelled at the temple on the last Tuesday of Chaitra month.
Nalanda Maa Sheetla Temple Stampede: What happened
Devotees present at the scene have stated that the incident occurred due to an insufficient deployment of police personnel. Currently, in view of the gravity of the situation, shops set up at the fair in the surrounding area have been ordered to close down.
“About 13-14 people were brought to the hospital. There have been eight casualties, all females. The rest of them are being treated here; two critical patients have been referred to another hospital. The cause of death can be ascertained only after post-mortem,” said Dr Biswajeet Kumar, Model Hospital, Biharsharif, as per ET report. Zonal IG Jitendra Rana, Patna Divisional Commissioner, the District Magistrate (DM), the Superintendent of Police (SP), the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and the Nawada SP arrived at the Sheetla Mata Temple.The temple has been closed, and CCTV footage is being examined.
The tragedy was caused by the heat. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Dipnagar Police Station.
#WATCH | Bihar: A stampede occurred during puja at Maa Sheetla Mandir in Maghra village of Nalanda. Injuries reported, deaths feared. More details awaited.
Visuals from the hospital where the injured have been brought. pic.twitter.com/QXFFlfRv7s
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2026
Nalanda Maa Sheetla Temple Stampede: PM Modi, CM Nitish Kumar extend aid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences to the families of the Nalanda Sheetla Mata Temple stampede victims and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to be given to the kin of each deceased. The injured individuals will be given an ex gratia of Rs 50,000 each.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief and announced Rs 6 lakh each (₹4 lakh from Disaster Management + ₹2 lakh from CM Relief Fund) for victims’ families and directed proper treatment for the injured.
March 31, 2026
Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives due to a stampede at the Sheetla Mata Temple in Nalanda and assured government support to them.”The tragic stampede incident at the Mata Sheetla Temple in Nalanda is extremely heartbreaking. I express my condolences to the families of all the devotees who lost their lives and were injured in this accident. The government is providing every possible assistance and relief to the affected families. Arrangements have been made for the proper treatment of the injured. May God grant peace to the departed souls and provide strength to the grieving families during this hour of sorrow. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” he wrote.
Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh on Tuesday criticised the government over the Nalanda Sheetla Mata Temple stampede, saying it had occurred due to the laxity of the administration. “It is unfortunate. The government should remain more vigilant on such incidents. This has all happened due to the administration’s laxity. The government should promptly provide compensation to the families of those who lost their lives,” he stated to ANI.
