Pratapgarh:
The Pratapgarh administration on Thursday distributed ex-gratia to the next of kin of the victims of stampede at Kripaluji Maharaj ashram, a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati made an announcement in this regard, a government spokesman said on Thursday.
"Cheques of Rs 2.50 lakh each were distributed among kin of 61 people killed in the stampede at Kripaluji Maharaj ashram on March 4. Financial assistance of Rs 75,000 each was provided to grievously injured," he said.
Cheques of two families were withheld due to heirship dispute and would be distributed after legal help, he said.
Nine persons who were grievously injured were handed over cheques at Rani medical hospital in Allahabad, where they were undergoing treatment, the spokesman said.
Mayawati, who had come under attack for not immediately announcing compensation for the victims, on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2.5 lakh each to the next of the kin of those killed in the incident and Rs 75,000 each to grievously injured.
She had directed the officials concerned to ensure distribution of ex-gratia within two days.
As many as 63 people were killed in the stampede at the ashram at Mangarh during a 'bhandara' on March 4.