Seven die in stampede at temple in India

Seven devotees, including three women, died in a stampede at a temple in Indian Bihar's Jehanabad district last night allegedly after force was used to control the crowd. At least 35 others suffered injuries in the stampede at the Baba Sidheshwar Nath temple on Baravar hills.

Authorities, however, have denied any negligence on their part.

Diwakar Kumar Vishwakarma, Town Inspector, Jehanabad confirmed seven bodies had arrived at the Jehanabad Post-mortem Hose.

The devotees had gathered at the temple for a consecration event held every year during the holy month of Shravan. Visuals from Jehanabad showed inconsolable families mourning their loss and the injured being treated at the local Makhdumpur and Sadar hospitals.

"Those present at the temple said there was a stampede due to lack of arrangements by the administration. Some NCC (National Cadet Corps) volunteers engaged in crowd management used 'lathis' on the devotees, which led to the stampede," the relative of a victim told reporters.

Locals fear the death count could increase.