JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN, September 30, 2008: The stampede started after a rumor that a bomb had been planted at the temple. At least 147 people have been killed and over 425 injured in a major stampede at the Chamunda Devi Temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where devotees had gathered in large numbers on the occasion of the start of Navaratri.
According to eyewitnesses there was a scramble on the narrow two-km path for gaining entry into the temple. The casualties were mostly men as the stampede occurred in the queue meant for them while the queue for women and children was largely unaffected. The District Collector of Jodhpur, Naresh Pal Gangwar said a ramp inside the temple collapsed, which, along with the rumors of a bombing, led to the stampede.
Authorities clarified that that was no bomb scare which led to the stampede.
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said, “Enough police deployment was ensured to avoid an eventuality but the rush was just too much.”