Navya Naveli, Pune
Four people were injured on Monday as they slipped off the stairs of the Khandoba Temple at Jejuri. The incident happened on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya when lakhs of devotees had assembled to worship at the well-known temple during the afternoon rain in the Pune district, the Police said.
Vishal More, aged 23, Nilesh More, aged 30, Mauli More, and Mayank Kadam were injured. According to the Pune Rural Police, “At around 2 p.m., an immense crowd had gathered along the stairs leading to the Khandoba Temple to offer their prayers and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Somvati Amavasya.”
Police Inspector Bapusaheb Sandbhor said to Indian Express that while carrying the palanquin of the temple deity, which is used in a ritual, the paraphernalia, and the Shehnai players were accompanying it. The incident happened because of the slippery stairs caused by the heavy rains. While carrying it, a Shehnai player slipped down the stairs and three others along with him. They have not gone through any severe injuries. Two of the four people have minor fractures, and the other two have relatively minor wounds.
The incident had taken place in the temple in Jejuri town, Pune. On Monday, there was a massive crowd in the temple, and almost three lakh devotees visited the temple.
According to Ayush Prasad, Chief Executive Officer of Pune Zilla Parishad, an ambulance from the Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services was immediately dispatched, and two people were transported to the Jejuri Rural Hospital. After getting stabilized and receiving the initial treatment, they were again transferred to Anandi Hospital in Jejuri. The medical teams are present at all times and are in constant touch with the doctors. The best treatment has been provided to the injured, who are safe and out of danger.
He also talked about the news about the stampede going viral, and I would like to clarify that there was “no stampede” in the temple.