Key Points:
- A stampede at Kubereshwar Dham, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, on August 5 led to the deaths of two women and injured over a dozen devotees; two remain in critical condition.
- The incident occurred during Rudraksha distribution ahead of a massive Kanwar Yatra led by Pandit Pradeep Mishra; crowd numbers far surpassed expectations, with estimates of up to 10 lakh attendees in the vicinity.
- Senior police and district officials rushed to the spot to restore order, and emergency medical teams treated the injured at the district hospital.
- The administration has now tightened security and implemented enhanced crowd management in response.
- Past stampedes and repeated overcrowding at Kubereshwar Dham during religious festivals have sparked concerns over crowd control and planning.
Sehore(M.P): A fast-growing crowd at Sehore’s renowned Kubereshwar Dham turned tragic on Tuesday as a stampede during Rudraksha distribution claimed two women’s lives and left more than a dozen devotees injured, several of them critically. The deadly surge occurred amid the heightened influx of pilgrims during the Sawan month, with numbers swelling for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra led by Pandit Pradeep Mishra. Police said the situation became unmanageable as thousands of devotees pressed forward to receive Rudrakshas.
What Happened at the Dham?
- The stampede erupted just as the crowd pressed in for Rudraksha distribution during the darshan of spiritual preacher Pradeep Mishra.
- According to officials, women made up a significant part of the crowd, which led to panic and chaos when the jostling began.
- Screams alerted volunteers and authorities, while on-site police struggled to control the swelling tide. Upon learning of the incident, senior police and administrative officers arrived quickly to restore order.
Aftermath and Administration Response
- Over a dozen devotees sustained injuries and were taken to the district hospital, where two cases remain critical.
- Authorities have now rolled out stricter security arrangements, with additional police, traffic regulations, and medical facilities at the site to prevent further incidents.
- The Kanwar Yatra at the dham is expected to attract up to 1 million pilgrims, further emphasizing the need for robust planning.
Recurring Concerns
This is not the first stampede at Kubereshwar Dham prior incidents have repeatedly highlighted issues in crowd management, especially during religious events when devotees gather in massive numbers. In February 2023, another tragic stampede occurred during the Rudraksha Mahotsav at the same location, raising questions about preparedness and the effectiveness of local administration.
Appeal for Caution
District authorities have urged devotees to remain patient and cooperative, emphasizing that safety protocols are being revised and enforced going forward. With Sawan festivities underway and the Kanwar Yatra at its peak, maintaining discipline among the crowd and following on-ground instructions remain vital for everyone’s safety.
