Varanasi stampede: 25 dead, several injured; PM Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh

At least 25 persons were dead and several others injured in a stampede at Rajghat bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli where a large number of people had gathered for a religious event on Saturday afternoon. The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of Ganga to take part in the two-day camp, police said.

Senior officials of police and administration have rushed to the spot to carry out relief and rescue measures. Meanwhile, a government spokesman in Lucknow said that the situation in Chandauli is being monitored and all necessary measures were being taken. An inquiry will be instituted to find out the cause of the stampede, he said.

ALSO READ | PM Modi expresses grief over loss of lives in Varanasi stampede

Here are the LIVE updates:

#Death toll rises to 25 in Varanasi stampede

#Varanasi stampede: PM announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each to next of kin of those killed, Rs 50,000 for those injured

#It(Varanasi stampede) is an unfortunate incident. CM office monitoring situation.Guilty will be booked for negligence: Gaurav Bhatia, SP

#It will be probed as to who is responsible, arrangements for crowd control and the lapses: UP IG (Law and Order)

#19 casualties-14 females & 5 males. Two injured women are being treated in hospital: UP IG (Law and Order) Hari Ram Sharma 

Varanasi stampede: 19 brought dead, out of which 15 females, and 4 males. Four injured, says doctor (visuals from the hospital) pic.twitter.com/N11e5LJs3x

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 15, 2016

#There was a lot of chaos, even we were pushed. Many people have died including my mother: Eyewitness

#I have spoken to officials & asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi: PM Narendra Modi

#Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured: PM Narendra Modi

#Varanasi stampede: 19 brought dead, out of which 15 females, and 4 males. Four injured, says doctor

#UP CM announces Rs 2 lakhs each for kin of those killed in the Varanasi stampede,also announces Rs 50,000 each for the critically injured

Death toll in stampede during Baba Jai Gurdev's sabha in Varanasi rises to 14 pic.twitter.com/PjLpHqzH2y

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 15, 2016

#Death toll in stampede during Baba Jai Gurdev's sabha in Varanasi rises to 14

#10 people killed in a stampede during Baba Jai Gurudev's sabha in Varanasi: IG zone SK Bhagat

#UPDATE: More than 5 people killed after a stampede during Baba Jai Gurudev's sabha in Varanasi

#Stampede during Baba Jai Gurudev's sabha in Varanasi. More details awaited

Visuals from the hospital

19 brought dead, out of which 15 females, and 5 males. Four injured, says doctor

19 casualties-14 females and 5 males