PATNA, Aug. 19 -- The three-member committee headed by Lakhisarai ADM Neeraj Kumar on Tuesday started a high-level investigation into the stampede at Ashok Dham temple in Lakhisarai leading to the death of seven women devotees on Monday morning.

Around 32 devotees fell in the stampede in which seven were declared dead while three-- Bimla Devi (40), Reena Kumari (40) and Savita Devi (40)--were referred to PMCH. Most of the injured were said to be out of danger, officials said. Lakhisarai Police have made a station diary entry pertaining to unnatural death regarding the incident, police sources said.

Sources said the investigating team, having the mandate to look into the main reasons for the stampede including the breakdown of the barric...