Toll in Patna stampede rises to 33

The toll in a stampede after the burning of the Ravana effigy at the Gandhi Maidan here rose to 33 Saturday morning after the death of a child, officials said.

"The condition of at least five seriously injured people is critical," a district official said.

Thirty two people, including women and children, had died in the stampede that took place Friday evening. Police said at least 25 people are seriously injured.

Additional Director General of Police Gupteshwar Pandey said that a probe into the cause of the stampede has begun.

Meanwhile, a group of slogan shouting, angry people Saturday protested at the Ramghulam square near Gandhi Maidan. They attacked and damaged half a dozen vehicles. Police resorted to lathicharge to disperse them.

Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi had visited the hospital where the injured are being treated late Friday.

According to officials of the district administration, rumours that a live high tension wire had fallen to the ground led to the stampede.