Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in a tragic electrocution incident at the Shri Avsaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Barabanki district early Thursday morning.
The Chief Minister also directed the district administration to ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured and to expedite relief operations.
His office posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Chief Minister Shri @myogiadityanath Ji Maharaj has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in an unfortunate accident at the Shri Avsaneshwar Mahadev Temple premises in Barabanki district and extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased."
The post further read, "Maharaj Ji has directed the district administration officials to expedite the proper treatment of the injured and relief operations. Maharaj Ji has prayed to Lord Mahadev, the Supreme Deity, to grant salvation to the departed souls and a speedy recovery to the injured."
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 am on Thursday when a large number of devotees had gathered for darshan on the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan. A live electric wire reportedly fell onto a tin shed on the temple premises, triggering a stampede-like situation. Two people died, and over 30 others sustained injuries after coming in contact with the wire.
Those injured were immediately taken to the Community Health Centres in Haidergarh and Trivediganj for treatment. The district administration and police launched swift rescue and relief measures at the site.
The incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing Sawan festivities, with authorities now focused on preventing similar mishaps during large public gatherings at religious sites.