New Delhi [India], July 27 (ANI): Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday called the stampede incident at Mansa Devi Temple 'heart-wrenching' and criticised the BJP government for failing to manage crowds at religious events.

In a post on X, Akhilesh Yadav wrote, 'The incident of devotees' deaths in the stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar is extremely heart-wrenching and concerning.'

https://x.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1949451181434024055

He demanded a proper investigation and asked for the exact cause of the incident and the number of deaths to be made public.

'Under the BJP government, whether it is the Mahakumbh, the Rath Yatra, or any other event, the recurrence of such incidents indicates that while the BJP engages in global-level publicity, it fails to manage even at the local level, which is why ordinary devotees have to lose their lives. This matter should also be thoroughly investigated, and the cause of the devotees' deaths and accurate figures should be disclosed,' the post reads.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Haridwar stampede near Mansa Devi Temple and announced Rs 2 lakh financial aid for families of the deceased from Uttar Pradesh.

In a post on X, Yogi Adityanath wrote, 'The news of the tragic accident on the Shri Mansa Devi Temple road in Haridwar, resulting in the demise of devotees, is extremely painful and heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the grief-stricken families.'

He said officials have been directed to work with the Uttarakhand government to ensure the mortal remains are brought back to the victims' home districts.

'Instructions have been given to officials to coordinate with the Uttarakhand government to ensure that the mortal remains of the citizens of UP who lost their lives in the accident are transported to their home districts and handed over to their families. Each family of the deceased from Uttar Pradesh in this accident will be provided financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh by UP Govt,' the post read.

Six people died in a stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, where a large crowd had gathered on Sunday morning. The Uttarakhand chief minister ordered a magisterial inquiry and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. (ANI)