Due to suffocation at least two people lost their lives on sunday at Banke Bihari temple by overcrowding during Janmashtami celebrations in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, the police said.
Police official said that the incident took place during midnight celebrations at the temple, adding that there was a huge crowd inside the temple, and many inside the premises were suffocated due to humidity.
“During Mangla Arti at Banke Bihari in Mathura, one devotee fainted at exit gate of temple due to which movement of devotees was restricted. As there was huge crowd, many inside the premises were suffocated due to humidity. 2 people lost their lives,” SSP, Mathura told ANI.
Police identified the deceased as Nirmala Devi and Ram Prasad Vishwakarma, who were confirmed dead at the hospital.
Another pilgrim slumped and fainted near the temple’s departure gate, causing devotees’ movements to be limited. During Mangala Aarti, the incidence occurred.
The CM asked the officials concerned to ensure proper treatment for the people injured in the incident.
While directing the home department, the CM said in view of crowding in religious places during festivals, more stringent arrangements should be made so that any untoward incident can be prevented.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed his condolences. He said, “The incident that took place in the Banke Bihari temple complex is very sad. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. May Lord Shri Krishna keep everyone well.”
Mathura is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura and reiterated his commitment to preserve and promote the spiritual and cultural heritage of the state.
“Paritranaya Sadhunam Vinashaya Cha Dushkritam’, the teachings of Lord Shri Krishna, inspires our thoughts, our actions and our vision,” he said.
“Lord Krishna arrived on this earth about 5,000 years ago from today and his ‘leelas’ are celebrated in every part of the country and the world even today,” Yogi Adityanath said.
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