Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke to Chief Ministe Jitan Ram Manjhi about the incident, has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the dead. The state government has announced a relief of Rs 3 lakh for the victims and ordered a high level probe by the State Home Secretary and Additional Director General of Police. The probe team has been asked to submit the report within 24 hours

The stampede at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan following the Ram Leela ceremony on Friday was apparently triggered by rumours that an electrical wire had snapped, leading to panic as the people were leaving the venue near the Maurya Lok Hotel.

Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manji was present at the Gandhi Maidan along with a large number of people who had gathered to see the Ravan vadh on the occasion of Vijaydashmi, the last day of Dussehra.

Patna District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma and hospital authorities said among the dead were 27 women and children and five men