President condoles deaths in Patna stampede

President Pranab Mukherjee Saturday condoled the loss of lives in the stampede, after the burning of the Ravana effigy, in Patna Friday and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

In his message to Bihar governor D.Y. Patil, the president said: "I am saddened to learn about the accident in which a number of persons have lost their lives and some were injured during the stampede in Dussehra celebrations."

"I call upon the state government and other agencies to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical facilities to the injured," Mukherjee added.

He further said: "Kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the family members of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons".

Thirty-three people, including women and children, died in the stampede that happened at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna Friday evening following rumours that a live high-tension wire had fallen to the ground.