On Tuesday, a catastrophic stampede during a religious gathering known as a satsang in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district left 121 lives extinguished.
A heart-wrenching sight unfolded within the confines of a government hospital, where rows upon rows of lifeless bodies lay encased in ice, each representing a shattered life. As bereaved families gathered outside, their wails pierced the air, yearning to carry their loved ones home.
The tragic incident occurred as thousands of devotees congregated near Phulrai village in the Sikandrarau area, drawn by the charismatic preaching of Bhole Baba, a revered religious figure. The stampede erupted around 3:30 pm, as the gathering dispersed following the conclusion of the satsang.
Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the unfolding horror. As Baba left the venue, a surge of devotees pressed forward to touch his feet, descending upon him like a tumultuous wave. In the ensuing chaos, people stumbled and fell over one another, contributing to the deadly pandemonium. Compounding the tragedy was the boggy ground conditions, rendered treacherous by water overflowing from a nearby drain.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh attributed overcrowding as a primary factor contributing to the stampede, revealing that the permit application submitted by the organizers estimated an attendance of 80,000, while the actual turnout far exceeded that number. Reports indicate that nearly 250,000 people had gathered for the event.
As the stampede unfolded, panicked devotees surged behind the vehicle of Baba Narayan Hari, desperate to touch his feet. The slippery ground conditions proved deadly, causing people to lose their footing and be trampled underfoot. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar reported that the authorities were actively searching for Bhole Baba, who had fled the scene.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed profound sorrow and vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly, promising swift and decisive action against those responsible. Our government will unmask the truth behind this incident and mete out appropriate punishment to the conspirators and perpetrators, he affirmed.
A team led by the ADG Agra and Aligarh Divisional Commissioner has been formed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident, with a report expected within 24 hours. Three ministers, Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Asim Arun, and Sandeep Singh, were dispatched to the site immediately following the tragedy.
In a heartfelt gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The Prime Minister's Office assured that senior central government officials were maintaining constant contact with the Uttar Pradesh administration to coordinate relief efforts.
Authorities released a list of helpline numbers for concerned individuals seeking information about their loved ones:
- Agra Zone Control: 7839866849
- Aligarh Range Control: 7839855724
- Agra Range Control: 7839855724
- Hathras Control: 9454417377
- Etah Control: 9454417438
- Aligarh Control: 7007459568
A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the organizers of the satsang, alleging overcrowding and security lapses. Advocate Gaurav Dwivedi filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Allahabad High Court, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the incident.
The stampede occurred at a religious gathering hosted by Baba Narayan Hari alias Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, a former policeman who transitioned into religious preaching two decades ago, amassing a significant following, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh.
Survivors and eyewitnesses recounted their harrowing experiences to Aaj Tak, India Today's sister channel, expressing gratitude for having escaped the deadly crush. Some criticized the inadequate police presence, while others attributed the stampede to the extreme heat and the desire to leave the venue quickly.
International expressions of sympathy and condolences poured in, with German, Chinese, and French envoys extending their support to the victims' families.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. The incident has raised important questions about crowd management and safety measures at religious and public gatherings, demanding urgent attention and comprehensive solutions to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
