A tragic stampede during a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of 116 people, including women and children. The event, organized by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee, was attended by a massive crowd that exceeded the permitted capacity.
As the gathering concluded, devotees surged forward to get a glimpse of the self-styled godman, Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Sakar Vishwa Hari or Bhole Baba. A chaotic scramble ensued as they sought to touch him and collect soil from around his feet, leading to a stampede. Suffocation and trampling resulted in numerous casualties.
The deceased included 108 women, seven children, and one man, according to Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, with the same amount being provided by the central government.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as devotees were crushed and piled atop each other. They rushed the victims to nearby hospitals, where heartbreaking scenes unfolded as injured individuals lay near the entrances surrounded by anxious relatives.
The police launched a search for Bhole Baba, who remained missing after the stampede. Inspector General Shalabh Mathur confirmed that an FIR would be filed against the organizers for exceeding the permitted crowd size. A high-level inquiry has also been ordered.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief and ordered a thorough investigation under Additional DG Agra. Three state ministers were dispatched to the site to monitor relief efforts.
President Droupadi Murmu extended her condolences to the bereaved families, expressing her heartbreak over the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paused his speech in Parliament to offer his sympathies and assure support from the central government.
Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Adityanath and promised assistance from the Centre, including a medical team from the NDRF. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the state government for failing to take adequate measures despite being aware of the large crowd.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi termed the incident extremely painful and urged the government to provide all possible aid to the victims and their families. Helplines were established by the district administration for assistance.
