Ram Navami Violence: 38 Dead in MP & Rajasthan, Clashes in 4 States

This year’s Ram Navami was marred by several tragic incidents that claimed at least 38 lives and injured many others in different parts of the country.

In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two separate stampedes occurred during religious processions that killed 28 people and wounded over 100.

In West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, violent clashes broke out between different groups over issues related to Ram Navami celebrations that resulted in 10 deaths and several cases of arson and vandalism.

Stampede In Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh’s Datia district, a stampede occurred on Sunday evening when thousands of devotees crossed a bridge over the Sindh river to reach Ratangarh temple, a popular pilgrimage site for Ram Navami.

According to eyewitnesses, some people spread a rumor that the bridge was about to collapse, which triggered panic among the crowd. The police also resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to control the situation, which worsened the chaos.

As a result, many people fell off the bridge or were crushed under the feet of others. The death toll rose to 18 on Monday morning, while over 60 people were injured.

The state government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh for each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured.

Stampede In Rajasthan

In Rajasthan’s Dholpur district, another stampede occurred on Monday morning when a large number of devotees gathered at a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga on Ram Navami.

The temple is located on a hilltop and can be accessed only by a narrow staircase. According to reports, some devotees slipped on the stairs due to overcrowding and fell on others, creating a domino effect. The death toll reached ten by afternoon, while over 40 people were injured.

The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for each wounded.

Violent Clashes In West Bengal

In West Bengal’s Asansol-Raniganj area, violent clashes erupted between two communities over Ram Navami processions on Sunday and Monday.

According to reports, some miscreants hurled bombs and stones at each other and set fire to shops and vehicles.

The police had to use force to disperse the mobs and impose Section 144 of CrPC in several areas. One person was killed, and several others were injured in the violence. The situation remained tense on Tuesday as well.

Violent Clashes In Maharashtra

In Maharashtra’s Aurangabad city, violent clashes occurred between two groups over Ram Navami celebrations on Monday evening.

According to reports, some members of one group objected to loud music being played by another group during a Ram Navami procession near a mosque.

This led to an argument that soon turned violent. Both sides pelted stones and bottles at each other and damaged vehicles and shops in the area. The police had to fire tear gas shells and rubber bullets to quell the violence. One person was killed, and several others were injured.