Jehanabad, August 12, 2024 – Tragedy struck the Siddheshwar Nath Temple in Jehanabad as a stampede claimed the lives of seven devotees, leaving the community in shock and grief. In the wake of this devastating incident, RJD MLA Rishi Kumar has voiced strong criticism against the local administration, accusing them of gross negligence and demanding strict action against those responsible.
The stampede occurred during a religious gathering at the Siddheshwar Nath Temple, a popular pilgrimage site known for drawing large crowds, especially during festivals and special occasions. According to eyewitnesses, the situation spiraled out of control as the number of devotees far exceeded the temple’s capacity, leading to chaos and panic on the narrow, uphill path leading to the temple.
Speaking to the media, MLA Rishi Kumar did not mince words in condemning the administration’s failure to manage the crowd effectively. “It was a disaster in the making. The administration knew that there was going to be a crowd. Many lives were lost due to their carelessness,” he stated, expressing his anguish over the preventable loss of lives.
Kumar pointed out that the path leading to the temple is known for its steep and challenging terrain, making it unsuitable for managing large crowds without proper planning and precautions. “The way is towards uphill; why were so many people allowed there?” he questioned, highlighting the apparent lack of foresight by the authorities.
The RJD leader emphasized that proper crowd management protocols should have been in place to prevent such a catastrophe. He called for accountability at the highest levels, insisting that those responsible for the lapse in safety measures be held to account. “Proper crowd management should have been there. Strictest action should be taken against whoever is responsible,” Kumar demanded, reflecting the anger and frustration felt by many in the community.
In the aftermath of the stampede, there has been an outpouring of grief and anger from the families of the victims and the wider public. Many are questioning how such a tragedy could occur at a well-known religious site, where the risks of overcrowding should have been anticipated and mitigated by the authorities.
Local officials have yet to issue a detailed statement, but initial reports suggest that the lack of adequate crowd control measures and insufficient planning for the large influx of devotees were key factors contributing to the disaster. As the investigation continues, there are growing calls for systemic changes to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
The tragic incident at Siddheshwar Nath Temple has not only cast a shadow over the local administration but has also raised broader concerns about the safety and management of large gatherings at religious sites across the country. As the community mourns the loss of lives, the demand for accountability and justice grows louder, with many looking to the authorities for swift and decisive action.