President condoles loss of lives in Varanasi stampede

President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in the Varanasi stampede even as he called upon the authorities to provide all assistance and help to the victims.

In his message to Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, the President said, "I am sad to learn about the stampede in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh in which a number of persons have lost their lives and others are injured. I understand relief and rescue operations are currently underway.

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

"Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons," he said.

Twenty-four people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede on an overcrowded Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli when followers of a religious leader were crossing it to attend a congregation yesterday.