Haridwar:
20 people were killed and several others injured when a stampede broke out at the Gayatri Mahakumbh in Chandidweep area here, official sources said.
The stampede broke out when a large number of followers tried to enter the gate of the Shantikunj Ashram to take part in a 'yagya' as part of the centenary celebrations of the ashram founder Pandit Shreeram Sharma.
Senior administrative and police officials have rushed to the spot.
Lakhs of people attend this
mahakumbh (religious congregation) that takes place every 12 years.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed grief over the loss of death due to the stampede. He has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 1 lakh each for the next of kin of the persons deceased and Rs.50,000 to those who got seriously injured.
(With inputs from PTI)