In Bihar, at least seven devotees died and 16 others injured in a stampede at Baba Siddheshwar Nath temple in Jehanabad district early this morning. Jehanabad SP Arvind Pratap Singh said stampede broke out following an altercation between local vendors and devotees around 1 am over some issue. He said the temple premises is located at very narrow place and due to stampede crowd became out of control.

In view of Monday of holy month of Sawan large number of devotees had gathered to perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva at the temple situated on famous Vanavar hills in Makhdumpur. Mr. Singh said injured have been admitted to Jehanabad Sadar Hospital. Police is investigating the incident and stern action will be taken against responsible people. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the loss of lives. The Chief Minister has ordered to provide an ex gratia of four lakh rupees to family members of deceased and help of 50 thousand to the injured.