In a shocking incident in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras, a stampede claimed the lives of over 100 people during a religious congregation. The tragic event unfolded shortly after a religious preacher, Bhole Baba, addressed his followers at a specially laid tent in the Rati Bhanpur village within the Sikandra Rau area of Hathras district.
According to the police, initial investigations suggest that suffocation at the venue led to discomfort among the attendees of the ‘Satsang’. This triggered panic, causing people to run and resulting in the deadly stampede.
Survivor Accounts And Eyewitness Reports
One of the survivors recounted the horror, explaining that the stampede occurred when the religious event concluded and everyone rushed to leave the area. “There was a huge crowd of followers at the spot. There was no way out, and everybody fell on each other, and a stampede took place. When I tried to move out, there were motorcycles parked outside, which blocked my way. Many fainted while others died,” he said.
An eyewitness told PTI that the stampede began as devotees attempted to exit the venue after the ‘Satsang’, highlighting the chaotic scene as people struggled to escape the overcrowded space.
Official Responses And Investigations
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took immediate cognizance of the incident and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. In a statement, Adityanath expressed his condolences and directed the district administration to ensure proper treatment for the injured, wishing them a speedy recovery.
Chief Minister Adityanath also formed a team led by the ADG of Agra and the Commissioner of Aligarh to investigate the cause of the tragic incident. Sikandra Rao police station’s SHO, Ashish Kumar, confirmed that the stampede was due to overcrowding.
National Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. In a parliament session, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his sorrow over the incident and assured that the government would take necessary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities and families mourn the loss of lives in this devastating event. The exact cause of the stampede remains under scrutiny, with officials working diligently to uncover all contributing factors.
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