One Devotee Killed, Several Injured as Technical Fault Triggers Panic During Navratri Rush in Mahasamund district
Published on: March 22, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Mahasamund, India
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic ropeway accident at the revered Khallari Mata Temple in Mahasamund district. Describing the incident as deeply distressing, the Chief Minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul, as well as strength for the family to endure the loss.
The accident occurred during the auspicious festival of Navratri, a period when the temple witnesses a massive influx of devotees. According to preliminary reports, a sudden technical malfunction in the ropeway system led to the mishap, triggering panic among the large number of pilgrims present at the site.
Officials confirmed that one devotee lost their life in the incident, while several others sustained injuries. Upon receiving information, the district administration swiftly launched rescue and relief operations, ensuring that the injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, authorities have been instructed to provide the best possible medical care to the victims.
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Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has also ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. He emphasized that any negligence found during the probe will invite strict action against those responsible, asserting that no one will be spared.
Meanwhile, local residents and devotees have raised concerns over safety arrangements at the temple premises, urging authorities to strengthen preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
Situated atop a hill at an estimated height of 1500–1600 feet, the Khallari Mata Temple is a prominent धार्मिक destination in the region. The ropeway facility, widely used by pilgrims for convenient access, typically charges between ₹100 to ₹150 per person. While hundreds visit daily, the number surges into the thousands during festivals like Navratri, significantly increasing crowd pressure on infrastructure.
Authorities have assured that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of devotees and prevent recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.
