President Mukherjee condoles loss of lives in stampede at Pushkarulu Ghat

President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives in a stampede at the Pushkarulu Ghat of Godavari River in Rajahmundry district of Andhra Pradesh.

"I am saddened to learn about the stampede at the Pushkarulu Ghat of Godavari River in Rajahmundry District of Andhra Pradesh, where a number of devotees have lost their lives and many others are injured. I understand relief and rescue operations are currently underway," President Mukherjee said in his message to Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan.

"I call upon the State Government and other authorities to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured," he added.

"Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons," he further said.

The death toll of the Pushkaralu Ghat stampede in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday rose to 29.

The tragedy took place during the 'Maha Pushkaralu' festival.

Officials fear that the death toll is likely to rise as some of the injured are in a serious condition.