Govt provides financial aid to stampede victims

The district administration has provided financial assistance of Rs 7.5 lakh to 50 of those injured in Wednesday's stampede in Nashik.

"A total of Rs 7.5 lakh has been disbursed as aid to the injured as per the nature of their injuries. We have adhered to the announcement in this regard by Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde that day during his visit to the Nasik Civil Hospital," Additional Collector Vilas Patil said.

Condition of the injured pilgrims in the civil hospital is improving, Dr Ashok Wankhede, a civil surgeon, said.

Over 90 injured persons are being treated at the civil hospital and eight of them at a municipal hospital.

Thirty five pilgrims, including 28 women, were killed and about 140 injured in a stampede two days ago and drowning in one of the worst tragedies during a religious gathering in recent times.

Meanwhile, 22 bodies of those killed in the stampede have been handed to their relatives so far.

Of the total deceased, bodies of 28 have been identified, he said.

In all, 14 bodies were cremated here even as the process of handing over remaining bodies continues, Wankhede added.