At least six people have been killed and over 50 others injured after a bamboo platform collapsed during a religious event in Bagh, Uttar Pradesh.
Police officials reported that the Jain community in Baraut had organized a ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’ today, drawing hundreds of devotees to a temple to offer laddoos. A bamboo platform was set up for the crowd, but it collapsed due to the weight of the people.
Baghpat Police Chief Arpit Vijayvargiya stated that law enforcement and ambulance teams arrived at the scene promptly after the incident and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged, while others with more severe wounds are currently undergoing treatment.
District Magistrate Asmita Lal confirmed that the local Jain community has been holding the ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’ annually for the past 30 years. She stated that a wooden structure collapsed during the event, injuring around 40 people. While 20 of the injured received first aid and were sent home, the others are still receiving treatment.
Rakesh Jain, a devotee present at the event, explained that the platform is set up annually during the festival to commemorate the nirvana of the Jain deity Adinatha. He described how the priests went to offer laddoos, causing the platform to collapse, taking hundreds of devotees down with it.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed his sorrow over the incident and instructed officials to immediately reach the site and expedite relief efforts. The Chief Minister’s office also stated that he has prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
