The Godavari Pushkaram - observed once in twelve years - began on Tuesday on a sombre note as at least 27 pilgrims lost their lives in a stampede at pushkar ghat at Rajahmundry.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took a holy dip at the pushkar ghat, performed the rituals and then left the area in the morning. Soon after, grim tragedy overtook the ghat as pilgrims and devotees tried to get into it by climbing an adjoining wall.

This resulted in a stampede, claiming more than 25 lives. Several of them — women and children — died on the spot and many more in the hospital later.

Though there is no official confirmation yet, the toll is estimated to be in the range of 25-30 and many more are in a critical condition in hospitals, it is learnt.

A shocked Chief Minister said all precautions had been taken but apparently something had gone wrong, and an inquiry will be conducted after the Pushkaram.

He announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh for the families of those who died in the stampede and said best medical treatment will be provided for the injured.

He appealed to the pilgrims to co-operate with the officials and not overcrowd the ghats.

Condolences Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message to the Chief Minister, expressing shock and grief over the incident, and conveying his condolences to the bereaved families. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, leader of the YSR Congress and opposition leader, said it was a shocking incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He said it was “a bit of gimmick and publicity stunt” on the part of the Chief Minister to have taken a dip at the pushkar ghat instead of the VIP ghat. “Immediately after his departure, the crowds were let into the ghat and there was a huge influx, resulting in the stampede. The CM should do a bit of soul-searching and in fact he should quit, owning responsibility for the incident,” he said.

sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

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