At least nine people lost their lives in a stampede during prayers at the Sheetla Mata Temple on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The state government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh for the families of the victims.
Narendra Modi also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured from the PM Relief Fund.
In an X post, the Prime Minister’s office wrote, “The mishap in Nalanda district, Bihar, is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed deep sorrow, describing the incident as heart-wrenching. He announced a total ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh for each bereaved family—Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The state government will also bear all medical expenses for the injured. Cabinet Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary confirmed that the Chief Minister is closely monitoring the relief operations.
According to reports, Nitish Kumar expressed deep condolences over the deaths of devotees in the stampede at the Sheetla Devi Temple in Bihar Sharif, Nalanda district, stating that the incident is extremely tragic and has left him deeply distressed.
He directed that ex gratia assistance be provided to the dependents of the deceased, comprising Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, totalling Rs 6 lakh.
Following the Chief Minister’s directives, relief and rescue operations are underway at the site. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured and instructed officials to ensure they receive proper medical care.
