Congress President Sonia Gandhi today expressed "shock and deep anguish" over the death of 64 devotees in a stampede at a temple in Madhya Pradesh.
"Gandhi has expressed shock and deep anguish over the tragic incident in Ratangarh in Datia District of Madhya Pradesh," an AICC statement quoting the Congress President said.
She extended her condolences to the families who have lost their kin and expressed the hope that the injured are being attended to suitably.
At least 64 people killed and scores of others injured in the stampede near the Durga temple at Ratangarh in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district where a large number of devotees had gathered for the Navratri festivities.
The mishap was apparently caused by rumours that a bridge the people were crossing was about to collapse.
The government also announced an assistance of Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 each for those who suffered minor injuries in the mishap.
Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly Ajay Singh expressed grief and anguish over the tragedy.
State Chief Secretary Antony DeSa and Director General of Police Nandan Dubey left for Ratangarh to review the situation.