A tragic incident unfolded in Baghpat’s Baraut town during the annual ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’, where a bamboo platform collapsed under the weight of hundreds of devotees, leaving seven dead and over 50 injured. The religious gathering, organized by the local Jain community, saw hundreds flocking to a temple to offer laddoos in honor of Jain deity Adinatha. The bamboo platform, a temporary structure erected for the devotees, gave way amidst the crowd, causing chaos and injuries.
Eyewitness Account of the Incident
Rakesh Jain, one of the devotees present, explained, “The platform is erected every year during the festival to mark the nirvana of Jain deity Adinatha. The priests went to offer laddoos, and the platform collapsed, along with hundreds of devotees on it.”
Baghpat Police Chief Arpit Vijayvargiya confirmed that emergency services, including police and ambulances, responded promptly to the site. “The injured were rushed to the hospital. While those with minor wounds have been administered first aid and sent home, others with more serious injuries are being treated,” he said.
ALSO READ: India, China to resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this summer; Key agreements between two countries here
District Magistrate Asmita Lal provided additional details, stating, “A wooden structure collapsed, and about 40 people were injured. Twenty people have been administered first aid and sent home; others are under treatment.”
Annual Tradition Ends in Tragedy
The ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’, a tradition observed by the Jain community in Baraut for 30 years, has never seen such an unfortunate incident before. This year’s event turned into a calamity as the makeshift structure failed to bear the weight of the gathered crowd.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his deep anguish over the incident. He has directed officials to expedite relief work and ensure the injured receive the best possible care.
“The Chief Minister has prayed for the quick recovery of those injured,” his office stated.
The tragedy highlights the urgent need for safety measures at mass gatherings and the importance of ensuring structural integrity for temporary installations. As investigations continue, the families of the deceased and injured await support and answers.
