NEW DELHI: At least 32 people were killed in a stampede during a Hindu festival in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Friday, the state police chief said. Over 50 people have reportedly been injured in the incident.

Principal secretary, home, Amir Subhani said 32 people have died and the casualty figure may rise. Even two hours after the tragedy. many people were found frantically searching for those who were missing. Most of those killed were women and children. A huge crowd had gathered at an outdoor venue in the state capital Patna for the burning of effigies at dusk, part of the Dusshera festival.

Officials said the stampede happened as people were leaving at the end of the event. Television channels quoted a witness as saying there were not enough lights once the ceremony was over.

Police are examining closed circuit television pictures to determine what had triggered the stampede.