Three people died and over a dozen others were injured on Saturday in a stampede on the banks of the Ganga river in Bihar’s Begusarai district, an official said.

The incident took place at a major bathing spot at Simaria ghat on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, when thousands of pilgrims gathered for the holy dip.

According to district police officials, the stampede was caused by some rumours.

“The victims, all women, were more than 80 years old and were apparently very weak. It appears they died of suffocation after being stuck on a narrow lane that was being used by a large number of pilgrims for going to and returning from the ghat,” he told HT.

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced compensation of Rs four lakh each to the family of the deceased.

Kartik Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Karthika month of the Hindu lunar calendar.

Further details are awaited.