The death toll in a major stampede at the Chamunda Devi temple in the northern Indian city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan state Tuesday rose to 177 amidst fears that it likely to cross 200, media reports said.
The worshippers including women and children had gathered in large numbers at the 15th century temple situated on a hilltop in the precincts of the Mehrangarh Fort at the start of the annual Hindu Navaratra festival.
The tragedy struck at around 5.30 am as the men devotees along the 2-km-long route to the temple tried to rush towards its door as soon as it opened causing some to slip on the 75-metre-long slope on the temple path resulting in the stampede in the 100-metre zone around it.
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said sufficient police deployment had been ensured and there were separate queues for men and women. "There has been no casualty in the queue for women where a large number of children were also present," he added.
The district administration has confirmed 135 deaths in the stampede. According to reports, there is shortage of oxygen in hospitals. The civil authorities have sought the help of the Army to deal with the situation, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) said.
Director General of Police (DGP) said that nearly 100 people were injured in the incident and they are being treated in various hospitals.
Chamuda Devi Temple is the "Kul Devi" of the former Maharajah of Jodhpur, Gaj Singh, who brought her idol in 1460 and installed it in the Mehrangarh Fort.
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December 19, 2025 15:10 ET U.S. inflation data and interest rate decisions by major central banks were the highlights of this busy week for economics news flow. Employment data and survey results on the housing markets also gained attention in the U.S. In Europe, the European Central Bank and Bank of England announced their policy decisions and macroeconomic projections.