BARABANKI, Uttar Pradesh — A sacred morning of prayer turned into a devastating tragedy at the Avsaneshwar temple in Barabanki, where two devotees lost their lives and 32 others were injured in a stampede during the holy month of Shravan.
Thousands had gathered at the temple in the early hours to participate in the ‘jalabhishek’ ritual, a deeply spiritual offering of water to Lord Shiva. What began as a peaceful act of devotion quickly descended into panic and chaos.
What Triggered the Stampede?
According to officials, the stampede was sparked when a live electric wire, reportedly damaged by monkeys, fell onto a tin shed within the temple premises. The electric current spread across the shed, causing widespread alarm. In the confusion and fear that followed, people began to run for safety, trampling others in the dense crowd.
Among the deceased was 22-year-old Prashant from Mubarakpura village. Another 30-year-old man also died from injuries sustained in the stampede. Both were rushed to Trivediganj Community Health Centre but could not be saved.
Injuries and Medical Response
Ten of the injured were taken to Trivediganj CHC, where five were later referred to higher-level facilities due to the severity of their injuries. Another 26 people were treated at Haidergarh CHC. At least one individual remains in critical condition.
Doctors, health workers, and volunteers have been working non-stop to treat the injured and comfort their families. The sudden nature of the tragedy has left many in shock.
Official Statement and Relief Measures
District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi confirmed the cause of the incident, stating, “During the ‘jalabhishek’ ritual, monkeys damaged an electric wire, which then electrified three tin sheds in the temple complex. This caused immediate panic and the unfortunate stampede.”
He added that the local administration acted quickly to bring the situation under control and initiate relief efforts.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed local authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. “This is an irreparable loss. My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he said in an official statement.
A Pattern of Preventable Tragedy
This incident comes just a day after a similar tragedy at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, where eight people lost their lives following a stampede triggered by rumors of an electric shock. These back-to-back incidents have raised serious concerns about the preparedness and safety infrastructure at major religious sites during peak pilgrimage seasons.
The Road Ahead
As the community mourns, questions are being raised about how such a preventable tragedy was allowed to occur. With millions participating in religious gatherings across India each year, ensuring basic safety—especially during the Shravan month—must become a national priority.
Lives were lost not to divine will, but to human neglect. That must change.
