Friday, January 13 2006 11:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dubai: Twenty-seven Indians, including 15 women, were among 354 pilgrims killed in the stampede during the symbolic stoning ritual during Hajj in Mina near Mecca yesterday (Jan 12, 2006).

Out of the 13 Indian pilgrims injured, only two remain in hospital while the others were dishcarged after first aid, Indian Consul General Ausaf Sayeed said over phone from Mina.

Among the dead 12 were from Uttar Pradesh, three each from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, two each from Kerala, MP and Rajasthan and one from West Bengal. Two Indians based in Saudi Arabia are among those killed.

Consul General Sayeed, Consul (Hajj) and senior officials of the Indian medical mission visited the injured admitted at various hospitals in Mina.

A control room has been set up in the Mina Camp for the convenience of the pilgrims. Ten Branch dispensaries and the main hospital in Mecca have been put on high alert and special efforts are on to trace the pilgrims reported as missing.

The Indian Consul in Jeddha is trying to establish contact with the next of the kin of the deceased pilgrims and offering all possible assistance in the speedy completion of burial formalities.

According to Saudi official sources 354 pilgrims were killed and 289 were injured in the stampede.