Sonia distressed over Haj tragedy

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday expressed deep shock and distress over the deaths in a stampede during the Haj pilgrimage.

"She prayed for the well being of the pilgrims and hoped that the Indian citizens in Mina were safe," a party statement said.

At least 453 people were killed and 719 injured in the stampede, according to the Directorate of the Saudi Civil Defense.