Distraught relatives of the victims outside a hospital in Patna (Press Trust of India photo)
At least 33 people were killed - mostly women and children - and 28 injured in a stampede in Patna after Dussehra celebrations at the landmark Gandhi Maidan on Friday evening. 29 of those killed have been identified so far.
Here are the latest developments:
The incident occurred in a narrow road outside the sprawling ground as people were returning after watching Dussehra celebrations.
Eyewitnesses say the stampede was triggered by a rumour that a live electric wire had fallen on the ground which quickly spread through the crowd, prompting a rush for the gates. The administration, however, is yet to confirm this.
There was inadequate street lighting on the south-east side of the Gandhi Maidan as a result of which several people fell on each other in the darkness as the crowds ran in panic, say eyewitnesses.
Some in the crowd were seen protesting by throwing shoes and plastic bottles at police, screaming about a lack of security and an evacuation plan at the venue. Many blamed the district police for keeping most exit gates shut at the massive ground, forcing the crowds to leave from the same gate.
"Some are saying the incident took place after some people fell in a drain. Still others are talking about snapping of a live wire and rumour spread by a few in the crowd. The truth will come only after a thorough inquiry into the incident," Bihar Minister Vijay Chaudhary told reporters.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and sought a report from the state government which has already ordered a probe into the incident.
Chaotic scenes were also witnessed at the Patna Medical College and Hospital last evening where desperate locals, looking for their missing relatives, clashed with security forces.
A group of angry locals attacked and damaged nearly half a dozen vehicles at the Ramghulam square near Gandhi Maidan today, forcing the police to resort to lathicharge to disperse them.
Dussehra celebrations at the Gandhi Maidan are the biggest in Patna and at least 50,000 people turn up every year to watch the burning of gigantic effigies. The event is held jointly by the district administration and a private organiser. The Chief Minister was also present at the ground for the celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned Rs. 2 lakh each for the next of those killed, and Rs. 50,000 for those critically injured.
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