New Delhi, September 10
Sixgirl students were killed and over 30 injured, eight of them seriously, in a stampede sparked by rumours of electric current leaking into water that had flooded a north-east Delhi school here today.

According to information, the incident occurred at Government Senior Secondary School, Khajoori Khas, this morning when students of classes VII, VIII and XI turned up despite heavy rain to appear in their half-yearly examinations.

The school premises, like most parts of Delhi, had been left water-logged due to the overnight downpour. At the double-storeyed building, girls were attempting their exam on the ground floor while boys were seated a floor above.

And as they were busy attempting their examinations, a rumour spread around that the ankle-deep water on the ground floor had got electric-charged. Panic gripping the students, they started running helter-skelter, resulting in a stampede on the staircase. Also, there were unconfirmed reports that some boys were teasing the girls, which led to the stampede.

As the mishap information spread, parents of the students and other locals rushed to the school. The police, too, arrived within some time, and tried control the situation as the panicky parents started alleging negligence on the part of the school staff and wanted to meet the principal. When not allowed by the police, they took to stone pelting on the school property and even the police.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-East Delhi) Surender Yadav said their priority, as of now, was to ensure proper treatment for the injured students and maintain law and order in the area. Asked what action would be taken against the rumourmongers, Yadav said identifying the culprits was bit tough but investigation was on.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit along with her cabinet colleagues Arvinder Singh (Education) and Prof Kiran Walia (Health) visited the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital where the injured had been admitted. Dikshit announced a relief of Rs 1 lakh to the next of those deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. She said a probe would be conducted and those responsible would be taken to task.