President Pranab Mukherjee has conveyed condolences over loss of lives in a stampede during Dussehra Festival celebrations at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Bihar.
In his message to the Governor of Bihar, Dr. 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."
"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," Pranab Mukherjee added.
At least 33 persons were killed and 15 others were injured following a stampede at Patna's Gandhi Maidan on Friday. The stampede took place when people were returning from the Dussehra celebrations.
Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has announced a compensation of Rs. three lakhs to the next of kin of each of the dead, Rs. 50,000 to those seriously injured and Rs. 20,000 to those with less grievious injuries.
The number of casualties is expected to rise. The injured have been admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for treatment.
