24 Killed, Hundreds Injured In Varanasi Stampede  

Varanasi: At least 24 persons, including women, were killed and hundreds injured in a stampede at a religious gathering in Varanasi on Saturday, police said.

The stampede occurred at around 1.30 p.m. at the Rajghat Bridge where thousands of people had turned up at a religious congregation organised by disciples of the late spiritual leader Jai Gurudev.

Officials told IANS that 18 dead bodies have been recovered and that the number of injured may run into hundreds.

Uttar Pradesh Police's Additional Director of General (Law and Order) Daljit Choudhary confirmed the incident but declined to provide the toll. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has sanctioned compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to kin of the deceased.

Prime Minister Expresses Grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the deaths in the Varanasi stampede and said the local administration had been asked to ensure all possible help to those affected.

Varanasi is also the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sonia and Rahul express shock and grief

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed shock and grief over the death of 19 people in the Varanasi stampede.

Extending her condolences to the families of the deceased, Sonia Gandhi hoped that the authorities concerned were providing adequate medical relief and compensation to the victims.

Rahul Gandhi, in a statement, said he was "shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the stampede in Varanasi". "My heartfelt condolences to families of the victims of this tragic incident," he said.

--IANS