Madhepura (Bihar) [India], August 24 (ANI): The Madhepura district administration on Monday strongly refuted reports and social media rumours claiming that a stampede had broken out and barricades had collapsed at the Singheshwar Temple, clarifying that the situation is entirely under control.
Speaking to ANI, District Magistrate Abhishek Ranjan stated that standard crowd-control protocols were actively enforced to manage the large influx of devotees, dismissing all claims of any untoward incident during the morning hours.
"We strongly refute the reports circulating about a stampede; no such incident occurred between 6 am and 9 am. Regarding claims that the barricading collapsed, that did not happen either... As for injuries, some individuals suffered from dehydration; they were given fluids at the medical camp and subsequently referred to Sadar Hospital for recovery... Amidst the unruly crowd, our police officers were present and managed the situation in accordance with SOPs. We ensured that anyone sustaining an injury was attended to and referred to a higher medical centre. Ambulances, as well as doctors and nurses from the Singheshwar PHC, were stationed there to provide care. We categorically deny that a stampede took place; the situation is currently normal," DM Ranjan said.
Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh also cautioned against the circulation of selective, out-of-context video clips on social media, asserting that all structural barricades at the shrine remain fully secure and intact.
"We have just held a press conference to address certain news reports based on selective video clips... Claims were made that the barricading had collapsed and a stampede-like situation had arisen. I would like to state that the iron barricading installed there is completely intact... Secondly, a selective video is being circulated showing a crowd entering through the gate. If you visit any religious site, crowd control involves specific SOPs and barricading. Crowds are managed by allowing them in at short intervals in a regulated manner and guiding them in a coordinated flow toward the destination. Gates are opened and closed in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures," SP Singh said.
Urging people to rely only on official sources, Singh added, "My request is that you rely only on the official social media handles of the Madhepura Police and the Madhepura District Administration. If you come across any rumours, please inform us via our social media channels; we are here and ready to take appropriate action. We are also actively refuting any negative news or misinformation being circulated." (ANI)
"No stampede, barricading intact": Madhepura admin refutes stampede rumors at Bihar's Singheshwar temple
