Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], July 27 (HBTV): Six people died in a stampede at the Manshadevi temple in Haridwar on Sunday, following a massive rush of devotees.

Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the casualties and stated, ‘I am leaving for the spot. A detailed report of the incident is awaited.’

Visuals from the scene showed injured individuals being transported to hospitals in ambulances. 

Haridwar SSP Parmendra Singh Dobal said, “Prima facie, rumours of electric shock to a devotee panicked others at the spot leading to the stampede.”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said a magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident, and strict action would be taken against those who spread the rumour. 

The government has also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the deceased and INR 50,000 for the injured. 

(ANI. Additional inputs from The Hindu)