Ujjain temple stampede-like incident injures several devotees

Several devotees were injured on Monday near the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, after a panic-triggered surge in a massive crowd gathered for prayers on the religiously significant day of Nag Panchami. The incident occurred near the Harsiddhi Chauraha intersection, a key point on the route to the Nagchandreshwar Temple, which opens to the public only once a year on this occasion.

According to multiple reports, a rumour spread through the crowd that an electric current had entered the barricades, causing widespread panic among those waiting in long queues. The sudden movement led to barricades collapsing, trapping some people underneath and leaving several injured. The injured, which sources variously estimated at around seven to thirteen people, were transported to nearby Charak Hospital for treatment. Among those hurt were Sagar, a 19-year-old from Ujjain who said both his legs were fractured after barricades fell on him, and a woman named Sonam from Gwalior who suffered a broken tooth and was treated for shock. Other injured devotees reportedly came from locations across India, including Gujarat and Bihar.

Eyewitness accounts described chaotic scenes...