President Pranab Mukherjee condoles stampede deaths in Varanasi

​New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday expressed grief over the deaths in a stampede in Varanasi.

"I am sad to learn about the stampede in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh in which a number of persons have lost their lives and others are injured. I understand relief and rescue operations are currently underway," Mukherjee said in his message to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

"I call upon the state government and other authorities to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones, as well as medical assistance to the injured," he added.

At least 24 persons died and 60 others were injured in a stampede during a religious procession in Varanasi on Saturday.