UP Hathras Stampede
On Tuesday afternoon, a devastating stampede during a religious gathering in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the loss of at least 116 lives, including 106 women and seven children. The tragedy occurred shortly after religious preacher Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, also known as Suraj Pal, delivered a sermon to his followers in a tent located in Rati Bhanpur village, within the Sikandra Rau area.
Senior police officials, accompanied by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), promptly arrived at the scene to handle the situation. A forensic unit and a dog squad were brought in to collect evidence and ensure a comprehensive investigation. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
Authorities have initiated legal action against the organizers of the religious gathering, recognizing that the event attracted a crowd beyond the venue’s capacity. An officer on site remarked, “Many people hurried to leave the venue while others sought blessings from the baba, causing chaos.” Aligarh Range IG Shalabh Mathur informed PTI that 116 people died and several others were injured in a stampede at a religious event in a village in Hathras district on Tuesday. Senior Superintendent of Police, Etah, Rajesh Kumar Singh, told PTI that the incident occurred at a ‘satsang’ in Pulrai village.
Initial police reports indicate that overcrowding and suffocation due to the small venue size contributed to the tragic incident. As the ‘Satsang’ ended, attendees began to leave, causing chaos and panic among the large crowd. A survivor described the terrifying experience, saying,” There was a huge crowd, no way out, and everyone fell on each other. Motorcycles parked outside blocked my way. Many fainted while others died”.
Hathras DM Ashish Kumar stated that the district administration is investigating the matter. He mentioned that the injured are being transported to the hospital, and people are still being recovered. According to doctors, the death toll is estimated to be around 50-60. He noted that the event had been permitted by the SDM and was a private gathering. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The primary focus of the administration is to provide all possible assistance to the injured and the families of the deceased.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath quickly reacted to the incident, offering condolences and announcing financial assistance for the affected families. He stated, “The state government will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if this was an accident or a conspiracy. Those found responsible will face strict action.” A high-level committee, headed by the Additional Director General of Police, Agra, and the Aligarh Commissioner, has been established to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede.
A compensation of ₹2 lakh has been announced for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The Hathras DM stated that the district administration has set up two helpline numbers. The Uttar Pradesh government has provided two helpline numbers—05722227041 and 05722227042—to assist families affected by the tragedy. Efforts are being made to identify and support the families of the deceased and those injured in the stampede.
