New Delhi:- Union Health Minister J P Nadda today assured all support to Uttar Pradesh government after 24 people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede at Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli when followers of a religious leader were crossing it this afternoon.
Nadda said Union Health secretary C K Mishra has already spoken to senior Health officials of the state and assured all necessary support.
“Deeply pained by the loss of lives in stampede at Varanasi. My condolences with bereaved families. Prayers for speedy recovery of injured.
“Health Secretary, GOI has spoken to the Health Sec & other Senior Officials of Uttar Pradesh & have assured them all the necessary support,” Nadda tweeted.
The stampede took place at Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli where a large number of people had gathered for a religious event this afternoon.
The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of the Ganga to take part in the two-day camp.
Officials said that the nineteen people included women were killed during the stampede.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the MP from Varanasi, has already expressed anguish over the incident and asked senior officials to take stock of the situation.
Modi also announced a solatium of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured.
Meanwhile state Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each to next of kin of those killed and free treatment to the injured, who have been admitted to different hospitals in Varanasi and Chandauli.
PTI
