A tragic stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar on Sunday, July 27, 2025, has resulted in at least six deaths and numerous injuries, casting a shadow over the holy city. The incident, triggered by a false rumor of a live electric wire, led to widespread panic among the throngs of devotees visiting the revered shrine.
The stampede occurred around 8:30 to 9:15 AM on the stairway leading to the Mansa Devi Temple, which is situated atop Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills. The temple is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Mansa, drawing large crowds, especially during the month of Shravan. According to eyewitnesses, the chaos erupted when someone shouted about a live electric wire, sparking a wave of panic among the pilgrims. This rumor, quickly spreading through the densely packed crowd, caused a sudden surge as people desperately tried to escape the perceived danger.
Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit confirmed that the initial investigation indicated the absence of any electric current at the site. Despite the lack of any actual electrical hazard, the rumor had already taken hold, triggering the stampede. Dixit also stated that the cause is still under investigation. Authorities are working to verify the claims and questioning eyewitnesses to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
The rapid response from local authorities, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and medical teams, was crucial in managing the aftermath. Rescue operations were immediately launched to provide assistance to the injured and manage the chaotic scene. Ambulances arrived to transport the injured to nearby hospitals, while authorities worked to close the temple gates and direct pilgrims away from the area.
Ujjwal Pundit, a teerth purohit associated with the Ganga Sabha, noted that local traders and residents initially struggled to understand the unfolding events. He added that a boundary wall near the path might have contributed to the stampede, further complicating the situation.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and assured all possible assistance to the victims and their families. He stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant contact with local administration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences and affirmed that the local administration is providing support to those affected.
The injured, including men, women, and children, were rushed to district hospitals, with those in critical condition referred to higher medical centers. Hospital officials reported that while most injuries were due to the stampede, one person had sustained burn injuries, initially fueling the electric shock rumors. However, police have ruled out electrocution as the primary cause of the incident.
The Mansa Devi Temple stampede serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with large gatherings, particularly in confined spaces. It also highlights the critical role of misinformation and rumors in triggering panic and chaos. As investigations continue, authorities will likely focus on crowd management strategies and communication protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
