Bhopal/Gwalior, Feb 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, declared urgent relief measures on Tuesday, approving an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the family of a woman who tragically lost her life after collapsing during the 'Kalash Yatra'. This event marked the first day of the consecration ceremony for the newly built Navagraha Shakti Peeth temple in Dabra, located in the Gwalior district.

Additionally, Rs 1 lakh each was allocated for three individuals who suffered serious injuries, and all injured participants were guaranteed free medical treatment.

A heartbreaking stampede occurred during the Kalash Yatra at the newly established Navgrah Shaktipeeth in Dabra, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries on Tuesday.

The chaos erupted as a large crowd, predominantly comprising women, gathered at the Dabra stadium for the distribution of holy urns (kalash) preceding the procession.

This event is part of the grand 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the temple, organized under the leadership of former State Home Minister Narottam Mishra, with activities set to continue until February 20.

Thousands flocked to the site, recognized as Asia's largest and unique Navgrah temple, where planetary deities are venerated alongside their consorts.

The stampede was triggered by the rush and pushing during the urn distribution, leading to a chaotic scene.

Authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances that led to the stampede.

The deceased, identified as Rati Sahu, a 70-year-old resident of Hanuman Colony, was tragically crushed in the crowd and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Several others, the majority being women, suffered injuries, with reports indicating that seven to eight individuals were affected.

Four of the injured received treatment at Dabra Hospital, while others, including a critically injured woman named Vimla and a minor girl, were referred to healthcare facilities in Gwalior, such as Apple Hospital and Jayarogya Hospital.

One victim remains in a critical state.

Following the incident, family members of the deceased expressed their grief and frustration regarding perceived administrative failures in crowd management, taking the body back to the event site in protest.

Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan promptly visited the injured at trauma centers in both private and government hospitals in Gwalior before proceeding to Dabra to assess the situation at the Navgrah Shakti Peeth.

She instructed officials to ensure adequate facilities and assistance for the affected individuals.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Gwalior Collector Chauhan remarked: "A woman has died and seven others have suffered injuries in a stampede during the urn distribution prior to the Kalash Yatra at the newly constructed Navgrah Shaktipeeth in Dabra. Four of these individuals are receiving treatment at Dabra Hospital, while a girl and a woman are hospitalized at Apple Hospital in Gwalior."

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav responded swiftly, sanctioning an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.

He also approved Rs 1 lakh each for three critically injured individuals and mandated free medical treatment for all victims.

Police and district officials have started an inquiry to ascertain the exact reasons behind the stampede, focusing on evaluating crowd control measures and event organization.