In Bihar, at least 33 people, most of them women and children, were killed and 26 injured in a stampede at Gandhi Maidan in capital Patna Friday, when crowds were returning after Vijaya Dashmi celebrations.

Nearly 30 inured have been admitted in the Patna PMCH's emergency ward, out which fifteen are said to be in critical conditions. Rapid Action Force personnel have cordoned off the hospital area where many anxious relatives and friends of victims had reached. To maintain order, the relatives were not allowed inside the hospital premises.

Prime Minister has sanctioned two lakh rupees each to the relatives of victims, while the Bihar government has sanctioned additional three lakhs rupees to the relatives of the dead. The seriously injured would be provided fifty thousands rupees each and others injured would be given twenty thousands rupees each.

Various leaders of the BJP, LJP , NCP and some other political parties have criticized the state government for failure in managing the crowds . They have demanded actions against the responsible officers.

State government has appointed a team of State Home Secretary and ADG Police to investigate the incident.

JD(U) President Sharad Yadav has admitted that mis-management by the administration was the major cause of Patna stampede. Talking to AlR, Mr Yadav said that the JD(U) government has formed a committee to probe the mishap and will take action against the persons responsible for the accident.