New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the next of kin of each of the six women who died in a stampede in West Bengal.

"Saddened by the loss of lives caused by stampede in West Bengal. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased," Modi said. He announced Rs 50,000 for those injured in the stampede.

Six pilgrims suffocated to death during a mad rush to board a vessel from the crowded jetty on their way home from the Gangasagar fair on Sunday after taking the holy dip. -Agency