President Murmu grieves over Lakhisarai stampede, seven dead

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the stampede at Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai district on Monday, calling the news 'extremely heartbreaking'. At least seven devotees died and more than a dozen were injured during a large gathering for prayers on the third Monday of the holy Sawan month.

According to reports, the stampede occurred when an electric pole near the queue of male devotees fell, sparking a rumour that a live wire had hit people. Panic spread, creating pressure on the women's queue and causing people to fall over each other within two minutes. Police and district administration were deployed from early morning, and the injured were taken to Sadar Hospital.

President Murmu offered deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are still ascertaining further details about the incident and the number of people affected.