Madhya Pradesh’s leadership responded with compassion and speed to a deadly stampede at the Navgraha Shakti Peeth temple in Dabra. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced financial solace on Tuesday for those impacted by the chaos during a ceremonial Kalash Yatra.
Rs 4 lakh goes to the family of tragic victim Rati Sahu, aged 70 from Hanuman Colony, who perished after crowd crush injuries. Seriously hurt trio—each awarded Rs 1 lakh—join others promised gratis treatment amid the fallout.
The incident unfolded amid throngs at Dabra Stadium, where women-led devotees vied for holy kalash to launch the temple’s Pran Pratishtha, a lavish event till February 20 curated by Narottam Mishra. Touted as Asia’s unparalleled Navgraha complex with planetary gods and spouses, its allure packed the venue.
Overzealous gathering devolved into mayhem via pushing and surging, details pending official inquiry. Injury tally hits 7-8; Dabra Hospital managed four, reassigning dire needs like Vimala and a child to Gwalior’s premier centers—Apple and Jayarogy—where one clings precariously.
Victim’s kin vented ire at oversight failures, rallying the body to the site in protest. Collector Rucheeka Chauhan hit the ground running: hospital huddles with the wounded, temple checks, and firm orders for holistic victim support.
Beyond immediate succor, the Dabra episode ignites discourse on mega-event security in devotion-saturated India. CM Yadav’s measures blend empathy with accountability, paving the way for enhanced protocols that protect faith’s fervor without peril.