Nine killed in stampede at ashram

Nine persons, including eight women, were today killed and at least 30 others injured when a stampede broke out during a function at an ashram in Deogarh district, 324 km from here.

"Nine persons died at the Thakur Ankul Chandra Ashram when the Ashram was celebrating its 125th Anniversary," Chief Minister Arjun Munda said.

Condoling the death, Munda announced Rs two lakh each for the family of the deceased and free of cost treatment to all the injured.

Deogarh Superintendent of Police Subodh Prasad said a stampede broke out at the congregation, which began at 5.30 AM.

Deogarh Deputy Commissioner Rahul Purwar has ordered a probe to find out the cause of the stampede. The organisers of the two-day celebration, which began yesterday, are tight-lipped over the incident.