Two pilgrims die 'due to overcrowding' at Sitakunda's Shiv Chaturdashi Fair
Among the deceased, one has been identified as Bantu (50), a resident of Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar
Two pilgrims - a man and a woman - lost their lives reportedly due to overcrowding on the second day of the Shiv Chaturdashi Fair at Chandranath Hill in Sitakunda.
The incidents occurred between the morning and 12:30pm today (26 February), Saiful Islam, an officer of the Sitakunda Fire Service.
Among the deceased, one has been identified as Bantu (50), a resident of Chakaria, Cox's Bazar.
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However, the identity of the old female victim remains unknown.
"The victims succumbed due to the intense crowd pressure," Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mozibur Rahman said.
Manoj Kumar Nath, general secretary of the Shiv Chaturdashi Fair Committee, also confirmed the deaths.
The annual Shiv Chaturdashi Fair at Chandranath Hill attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims from across the country. However, overcrowding has raised concerns about safety measures at the event.
The three-day century-old fair started at the Sitakunda Chandranath Dham on Tuesday.
Every year over two million pilgrimages take part in the fair, according to organisers.
