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Saturday, January 14, 2012

MADHYA PRADESH STAMPEDE


MADHYA PRADESH STAMPEDE
Bhopal: At least 12 people, including four Women, were killed in a stampede during a religious gathering in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district early Saturday, an official said. Chehallum is observed after 40 days of Muharram by a Muslim sect at Hussain Tekri in Ratlam district, 300 km from here. Thousands take part in the annual congregation.Unlike in the past, a single gate was erected leading to a fire oven on which faithfuls walk. A number of people tried to enter it, resulting in the stampede.

While bodies of 10 persons were found at one place, two others were traced slightly away from the place where the incident took place. However, police suspect that they might have succumbed due to severe cold. Usually, persons suffering frommental illness visit the place with a belief that the visit to the sacred place will cure them of their problems. Ratlam Collector R K Sharma has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident and announced as ex-gratia of Rs 10,000 each to the victims. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced Rs.1 lakh compensation to the kin of those killed. He ordered an inquiry into the incident. Ratlam Collector  Rajendraa Kumar Sharma announced Rs.10,000 compensation for those killed and Rs.5,000 for the injured.

                                                                     Prof. John Kurakar

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