3 women killed in stampede outside Khatu Shyam temple in Rajasthan's Sikar

At least three people lost their lives and several others suffered injuries in a stampede during a monthly fair at Khatu Shyam Ji temple in Rajasthan's Sikar on Monday morning, news agency ANI reported.

Two injured people have been referred to a hospital in Jaipur, the agency reported, adding that police and district administration officials are present at the spot. All of the deceased are women and their identity is yet to be confirmed.

"Three women killed in stampede outside Khatu Shyam temple in Rajasthan's Sikar," police said.

Police said that the stampede took place at the entrance of the temple around 5 am. A large crowd had gathered outside the temple in the morning waiting for the gates to open. As soon as the temple gates were open, devotees tried to enter the temple, leading to stampede.

Today is the 11th day of the lunar calendar and Khatu Shyam devotees considered it auspicious to offer prayers.

सीकर में खाटूश्याम जी के मंदिर में भगदड़ होने से 3 दर्शनार्थी महिलाओं की मृत्यु बेहद दुखद एवं दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है। मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं शोकाकुल परिजनों के साथ हैं, ईश्वर उन्हें यह आघात सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें एवं दिवंगतों की आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें।

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 8, 2022