Nikhita Gandhi 'Devastated' After Stampede at Her Kochi Concert Leaves 4 Students Dead, Injures 65

Singer Nikhita Gandhi shared a statement after a stampede broke out at her concert in Kochi and resulted in 4 students’ death alongwith 65 people injured. The singer, best known for her songs who sangs songs such as Leke Prabhu Ka Naam (Tiger 3), Jimki Song (Varisu) and Tere Pyaar Mein (Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar) this year, was slated to perform in Kochi as part of a techfest. However, the happy event turned into a nightmare when a stampede broke out. Shortly after the unfortunate event, Nikhita took to her Instagram and said she is ‘heartbroken and devastated’ after the incident.

“Heartbroken and devastated by what took place this evening in Kochi. Such an unfortunate incident took place before I could even leave for the venue for the performance. No words are possibly enough to express this profound grief. My prayers go out to the families of the students,” she wrote on Instagram.

Nikhita was set to perform at a tech-fest at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). Kerala Higher Education minister R Bindu told CNN-News18 that the students started to run when it started raining during the concert which led to a stampede-like situation. Some students fell from the steps in the haste.

The minister also informed that the collector and the vice chancellor are at the hospital to take stock of the situation. According to Kochi Municipal Councilor, “Exit and entrance through the same gate led to the stampede. Students were trying to enter through the same gate. Students who were entering through the steep steps fell down first and the huge crowd at the gate stomped them again and again.”

Taking to X, previously known as Twitter, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the incident. “The entire state is in shock over the stampede that unfolded at CUSAT University in Ernakulam. Heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of the four students who lost their lives. Immediate and enhanced treatment facilities have been arranged for the injured. P. Rajeev, the Minister for Industries, and R. Bindu, the Minister of Higher Education, have departed for Ernakulam to assess the situation directly. A thorough investigation into the incident will commence without delay.”