New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the deaths in the Varanasi stampede and said the local administration had been asked to ensure all possible help to those affected.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured,” Modi tweeted.
“I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede..,” he said in another tweet.
At least 18 persons, including women, were killed and hundreds injured in the stampede on the Rajghat bridge in Varanasi, police said.
The stampede occurred at around 1.30 p.m. when thousands of people were turning up at a religious congregation organised by disciples of the late spiritual leader Jai Gurudev.