3 killed in stampede in Pirojpur

The victims were identified as Mafizuddin, 50, of Andharmanik, Fulbanu, 60, of Sapleza and Sumon Mia, 70, of Golbunia villages.

According to witnesses and family sources, police and village police, engaged in maintaining discipline, charged baton on people when they tried to get the blessing of Pir by breaking the queue.

At least 20 people were injured.

Local administration attributed the death to victims' previous illness and old age complications.

They however acknowledged that there is huge crowd for last few days to get 'blessed water' and banana from Tota Hujur of Sonakhali.

People, standing on both sides of 13-kilometer-long roads from upazila sadar to Bandarpara and Sonakhali Bazar to Mollakhali, wait every day under the scorching heat of the sun to collect blessing.

Tota, riding on a motorcycle at 10:00am every day, starts giving his blessing on their water or banana to fulfill their wishes or remove illness.