One dead, 20 injured in stampede during fish 'prasadam' in AP

The stampede occurred at around 0930 hrs when a huge crowd rushed to get the medicine when the gates were opened at the distribution site, they said.

A man named Gorakh Patel (believed to be in his 60s and also suffering from a heart ailment) fell down during the stampede and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but he died on the way, they said, adding that over 20 persons, including women, were treated for minor injuries.

Over two lakh persons from different parts of the country were already administered the medicine at the event, organised by the Bathini Mrigasira Trust that provides the free medicine that some believe provides miraculous relief to asthma patients, an official said.

"Additional counters have been opened and things are now put in order with queue being maintained," the official said.

However, several persons complained that no proper arrangements were made at the distribution site.

The distribution that began this morning would go on non-stop for 48 hours even as district authorities had arranged for 60,000 fingerlings for the event.

The venue of the fish 'prasadam' event was organised at Nampally exihibition grounds every year, but was shifted to Katedan this year.