Tragic Hathras Stampede at Religious Event Claims 122 Lives

Overcrowded Religious Gathering Turns Fatal in Pulrai Village

Hathras, Uttar Pradesh: In a heart-wrenching incident, a stampede at a religious gathering in Pulrai village of Hathras district has resulted in the deaths of 122 people, with several others injured. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a ‘satsang’ organized by Narayan Hari, known as Bhole Baba, a revered figure in the region.

Incident Overview

As per reports, a massive crowd had gathered to attend the satsang, which drew over 50,000 devotees from various parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Hathras, Budaun, and Western UP districts. The event turned tragic around 1 PM when the overwhelming number of attendees led to a chaotic situation, culminating in a deadly stampede.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Etah, Rajesh Kumar Singh, confirmed the incident to PTI, stating, “A large crowd had assembled for the event, and the stampede was likely caused due to overcrowding.”

Immediate Response and Casualties

Following the incident, the injured were rushed to nearby healthcare facilities, including Sikandra Rao CHC and Etah District Hospital. However, the situation at these hospitals soon became dire, with bodies and injured victims being transported in buses and tempos. The chaotic scenes at the hospitals were described as “horrifying,” with bodies lying scattered on the ground and insufficient medical resources to handle the influx.

Dr. Umesh Tripathi, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Etah, revealed that 27 bodies had been received at the district hospital, contributing to the total death toll of 122. The number of fatalities is feared to rise as many of the injured remain in critical condition.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses recounted the sheer panic and helplessness that ensued during the stampede. Many victims were trampled underfoot in the ensuing chaos. Rajneesh, a 30-year-old police officer on duty at the site, tragically suffered a heart attack upon witnessing the scene and subsequently passed away despite being rushed to medical care.

Administrative Actions

In the wake of the tragedy, Hathras District Magistrate (DM) Ashish Kumar announced that a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident. “The district administration is thoroughly investigating the matter. Our primary focus is to provide all possible help to the injured and the families of the deceased,” said Kumar. He also mentioned that the event had been permitted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and was a private event.

Two helpline numbers have been set up by the district administration to assist those affected by the tragedy.

Government Response

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to ensure immediate relief measures. In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said, “CM Yogi Adityanath has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Hathras stampede and has instructed the district administration to expedite the rescue and relief operations.”

Two ministers, along with the Chief Secretary Manoj Singh and Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, have been dispatched to the site. An investigation team comprising the Additional Director General (ADG) of Agra and the Commissioner of Aligarh has been constituted to probe the incident.

Who is Bhole Baba?

Narayan Hari, known as Bhole Baba, is a prominent spiritual leader in the region, with a significant following in Western UP, Rajasthan, and Haryana. He has been conducting satsangs for over 25 years, drawing large crowds due to his reputation and spiritual influence.

Conclusion

The Hathras stampede is a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by large gatherings, especially when crowd management measures are inadequate. The incident has left the community in mourning, with a pressing need for accountability and improved safety protocols for future events.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and ensuring that such a tragedy does not recur. The government’s swift response and the formation of investigative committees reflect a commitment to addressing the underlying issues and preventing future mishaps.

In the aftermath, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including event organizers, local authorities, and the community, to work together to enhance safety measures at public gatherings, ensuring that the lives of devotees are safeguarded.