In Haridwar,sixteen persons were killed and several others injured when a stampede broke out at an ashram in Chandidweep area. Officials said, the stampede broke out when a large number of followers tried to enter the gate of the Shantikunj Ashram to take part in a 'yagya' as part of the centenary celebrations of the ashram founder Pandit Shreeram Sharma.

Principale Secretary, Home, Utpal Kumar Singh said most of the people being old were suffocated due to smoke emanating from Yagnas. The District Magistrate and District Police Chief have rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.