A tragic stampede occurred during a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the loss of 121 lives. The bodies of the deceased were placed on ice blocks inside a government hospital, while grieving family members awaited outside to claim their loved ones. The victims were among the thousands who had gathered near Phulrai village in the Sikandrarau area to attend the religious event led by Bhole Baba. The stampede occurred around 3.30 pm when a large crowd tried to touch Baba’s feet as he was leaving, causing chaos and resulting in the unfortunate incident.
WHAT HAPPENED SO FAR:
Manoj Kumar Singh, the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, informed PTI news agency that the stampede was caused by overcrowding. Singh stated that the event organizers had initially reported 80,000 attendees in their application for permission to hold the ‘satsang’, but the actual number far exceeded that. According to a report, nearly 250,000 people attended the event.
After the conclusion of the ‘satsang’, followers rushed towards Baba Narayan Hari’s vehicle to seek his blessings. In the chaos, some individuals slipped and fell over each other. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar informed news agency ANI that the authorities are actively searching for the spiritual leader.
Today, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Hathras. He stated on Tuesday, “Our administration will thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that the culprits and masterminds behind this incident face appropriate consequences. The state government is currently probing the entire situation to determine whether it was accidental or a planned conspiracy.”
A government statement revealed that a team led by ADG Agra and Aligarh Divisional Commissioner has been formed to conduct an inquiry into the incident. The findings are expected to be submitted within 24 hours. Following the occurrence, three ministers – Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Asim Arun, and Sandeep Singh – were promptly dispatched to the location.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his deep condolences regarding the stampede tragedy and declared a compensation of Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He further mentioned that senior officials from the central government were maintaining regular communication with the Uttar Pradesh administration to streamline relief operations.
The authorities issued helpline numbers in various cities for individuals seeking information about their relatives.
Agra Zone Control – 7839866849
Aligarh Range Control – 7839855724
Agra Range Control – 7839855724
Hathras Control – 9454417377
Etah Control – 9454417438
Aligarh Control – 7007459568
An FIR has been lodged against the organizers of the Hathras ‘satsang’ due to overcrowding and security negligence at the event. This has prompted a call for further investigation. Additionally, advocate Gaurav Dwivedi has filed a PIL in the Allahabad High Court seeking a CBI probe into the Hathras stampede incident. The FIR includes details of the sections under which the case has been registered.
The stampede occurred at the gathering of Bhole Baba, also known as Baba Narayan Hari alias Saakar Vishwa Hari, a former police officer who transitioned into a religious preacher twenty years ago and amassed a following, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh. Bhole Baba, whose real name is Surajpal, hails from Bahadur Nagar in Kasganj district, as per a retired IPS officer who spoke to PTI. Surajpal, who has no children, brings his wife with him to ‘satsang’. Eyewitnesses and survivors of the Hathras stampede tragedy, in an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, the sister channel of India Today, expressed their gratitude for having escaped.
Some also mentioned the inadequate presence of the police force and the rush of people to leave the venue due to the heat. The German, Chinese, and French envoys expressed their sorrow for the lives lost in the Hathras stampede and offered their condolences to the families of the victims. Through separate posts on X, the envoys conveyed their sympathies and wished for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.