Eyewitnesses reported that the victims suffocated as they were crushed under the weight of the stampede.
In a tragic incident on Tuesday, at least 116 people, including women and children, lost their lives in a stampede at a religious event, or ‘satsang’, in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. The state government has launched an investigation and dispatched three ministers to oversee the relief efforts on site.
Inspector General (Aligarh) Shalabh Mathur confirmed the death toll, stating, “An FIR will be filed against the event organizers due to the crowd exceeding the permitted limit. A high-level inquiry has been ordered.”
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The event was organized by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee for self-styled godman Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Sakar Vishwa Hari or Bhole Baba.
Eyewitnesses reported that the victims suffocated as they were crushed under the weight of the stampede. The injured were taken to the Sikandara Rao Trauma Centre and the government hospital in Etah.
Videos from the scene showed victims being transported to the trauma center in ambulances, trucks, and cars. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as the injured lay near the hospital entrance, surrounded by anxious relatives.
Sikandra Rao Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ravendra Kumar stated that the stampede occurred when devotees surged to catch a glimpse of Bhole Baba at the end of the event and to collect soil from around his feet.
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Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his sorrow, describing the incident as “extremely sad and heart-wrenching.” He noted that the stampede happened when devotees rushed towards the preacher, leading to a commotion. A team led by Additional DG Agra has been formed to investigate the incident, and three state ministers are at the site.
The Chief Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand for the injured. He is expected to visit Hathras on Wednesday.
In response to the tragedy, the district administration issued helplines: 05722227041 and 05722227042.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with one recounting, “We had come for the satsang. As we tried to exit, a commotion started, and we didn’t know what to do. Many people have died.”
Another eyewitness added, “The road outside was elevated with a drain below. People started falling into it, and some got crushed.”
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Leaders expressed their condolences, with President Droupadi Murmu calling the incident heart-rending. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interrupted his speech in Parliament to offer condolences and assure that the central government is providing all possible assistance.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chief Minister Adityanath, promising support from the Centre. The NDRF medical team is also en route to Hathras.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the UP government for not taking adequate measures despite being aware of the large crowd expected.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed their condolences and urged the government to provide necessary assistance to the affected families.