Victims outside the Trauma Centre after a stampede broke out in Hathras district. (PTI photo)
In a heartbreaking incident, 116 people were killed during a stampede at a 'satsang' (religious event) in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday. The event, organised by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee for self-styled godman Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Sakar Vishwa Hari or Bhole Baba, saw a massive turnout. Among the dead were several women and children, with casualties taken to hospitals in both Hathras and the neighbouring Etah district.
Cause and Immediate Response
Inspector General (Aligarh) Shalabh Mathur confirmed the death toll and stated that an FIR will be filed against the organisers for exceeding the permitted crowd capacity. A high-level enquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident. The district administration has issued helplines (05722227041 and 05722227042) for affected families.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described the chaos that ensued as the event concluded. One witness recounted, "We had come for the satsang. It was a large crowd. Once the satsang ended, we started leaving. The exit was narrow. As we tried to exit towards the field, suddenly, a commotion started, and we didn’t know what to do. Many people have died." Another added, "After the ‘satsang’ ended, everyone came out. Outside, the road was built at a height with a drain below. One after the other, people started falling into it. Some people got crushed."
Condolences and Official Reactions
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her deep sorrow, calling the incident heart-rending. "The news of the death of many devotees, including women and children, in the accident in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh is heart-rending. I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," she posted on her official X handle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha, offered his condolences and assured that the central government is in contact with the state government to provide all possible assistance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his sorrow, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. May God give them strength to bear this pain. The local administration is engaged in relief work. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured."
State Government Actions
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure proper treatment for the injured. He dispatched the Director General of Police, along with two senior ministers and the Chief Secretary, to the site. The Chief Minister also announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand for the injured. He will visit Hathras tomorrow to meet the families of the victims, accompanied by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Prasad.
Political Reactions
Hathras MP Anoop Pradhan, who plans to visit the site, stated, "I just spoke to the district magistrate. Many people have died." Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the Yogi government, saying, "Since the state government was earlier notified about the large number of people going to attend the satsang, it was their responsibility to ensure that appropriate measures should be taken."
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called the incident "extremely painful" and urged the government to provide all possible aid to the affected families. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, stating, "My heart goes out to their family members."
BSP chief Mayawati demanded a probe into the incident and financial assistance for the victims' families. "It is very sad that a large number of people died and many were injured in a stampede during a religious gathering in Hathras district of UP and a young man was killed during a Buddhist/Bhim Katha in Agra. The government should investigate these incidents and take appropriate action and provide financial assistance to the victim families," she posted on X.
The tragic event has left the nation in mourning, with calls for accountability and improved safety measures at large gatherings.
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