A tragic Monday morning turned deadly for pilgrims in West Bengal and Bihar, with 13 devotees losing their lives in two separate incidents.

In West Bengal’s Birbhum district, six pilgrims were killed after a massive fire broke out at a private hotel in the Tarapith area. Several others were reportedly injured in the incident.

According to the fire department, the blaze broke out on the ground floor of a hotel located near a pond in the Tarapith police station area early Monday morning. Many pilgrims were staying at the hotel ahead of Shravan Somvar, when large crowds gather at the famous Tarapith temple.

Firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving information about the blaze. After a prolonged operation, the fire was brought under control. The injured were rescued and shifted to Rampurhat Government Medical College and other nearby hospitals.

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire, though authorities are investigating the exact reason. Police from Tarapith and Rampurhat have started an investigation.

Stampede at Bihar Temple Claims Seven Lives

Meanwhile, seven devotees were killed and more than 12 injured in a stampede at the famous Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar.

The incident occurred on the third Monday of Shravan, when thousands of devotees had gathered to offer water to Lord Shiva. A large crowd was moving towards the temple through barricaded queues.

According to preliminary information, rumours about an electric wire snapping suddenly triggered panic among the devotees. In the ensuing chaos, people reportedly broke through barricades and started running, leading to a stampede.

Seven devotees died in the incident, while more than 12 others were injured. The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Both incidents have cast a shadow over the religious gatherings on Shravan Monday, as large numbers of devotees had gathered at prominent temples to offer prayers.

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