A solemn religious ceremony turned tragic today when an elderly woman lost her life in a fatal stampede during a temple consecration (Pran Pratishtha) ritual. The event, which saw a massive influx of devotees from surrounding areas, descended into chaos as crowd control measures proved insufficient for the overwhelming numbers.

According to local sources, the stampede occurred when the temple gates were opened for the general public to witness the final rituals. In the ensuing rush to reach the sanctum sanctorum, several people were knocked down. The deceased woman reportedly tripped and was trampled by the surging crowd. Emergency responders rushed her to a nearby hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival. Multiple other devotees sustained injuries, some of whom remain in critical condition. Authorities have initiated a probe into the lapse in security arrangements, while a heavy police presence has been deployed to prevent further unrest. The local community remains in shock as an occasion of joy and spirituality ended in a heartbreaking loss.