Hathras Stampede: A stampede at the Bhole Baba Satsang in Phulrai village, under the jurisdiction of the Sikandrarao police station area in Hathras district, has resulted in the death of 116 individuals. The deceased were transported to Etah Medical College for post-mortem examinations. The satsang event, which took place in Rati Bhanpur near the Hathras-Etah border, saw an overwhelming attendance of more than 50,000 people from Mathura, Agra, Firozabad, and Etah.
116 people died in the Hathras stampede, Aligarh Range IG Shalabh Mathur told news agency PTI.
Aligarh Commissioner Chaitra V told the media, "116 people have been confirmed dead. 18 people are injured. Treatment is being ensured for the injured in Aligarh district. Primary investigation is being carried out...", news agency ANI reported.
The massive crowd had gathered to listen to the revered Saint Bhole Baba. However, the severe heat and humidity in the pandal led to a stampede, exacerbated by delays in the arrival of police and ambulance services.
A video of the incident showed moments leading up to the tragic stampede.
The Etah Medical College alone received 27 bodies, including 25 women and 2 children.
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Hathras Satsang Stampede: UP CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Probe Team
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident in Hathras district. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased. The Chief Minister directed officials to rush to the spot and expedite relief efforts. He also instructed that the injured be promptly taken to the hospital and provided with proper medical care, wishing for their swift recovery.
CM Yogi has formed a team led by ADG Agra and Commissioner Aligarh to investigate the causes of the accident, with a report due within 24 hours. He has also indicated that an FIR will be lodged against the event organisers, with the government preparing for substantial legal actions.
Helpline numbers have been issued the help of the general public in view of the stampede.
"In view of the accident that took place in Hathras district, the district administration, keeping an eye on the situation of the incident, has issued helplines 05722227041 and 05722227042 for the help of the general public," District Magistrate Hathras informed on X.
"For any type of information regarding the dead and injured persons in the incident occurred in district Hathras, contact numbers Agra Zone Control-7839866849 Aligarh Range Control-7007459568 Agra Range Control-7839855724 Hathras Control-9454417377 Etah Control-9454417438 Aligarh Control-9454402807," IG Range Agra Police posted
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Hathras Stampede: PM Modi Expresses Condolences, Announces Ex Gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha, expressed his grief, saying, “Information has come about the death of many people in a stampede in Hathras, UP. I express my condolences to the people who lost their lives in this incident and wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The administration is engaged in relief and rescue work under the state government's supervision.”
In a post, he informed that he spoke to UP CM Yogi Adityanath while the Prime Minister's Office stated that he has announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Hathras. "The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," it mentioned.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his condolences, remarking, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. May God give the families of the victims the strength to bear this pain. The local administration is engaged in relief work, and I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his sorrow, stating, “The news of the death of many devotees due to the stampede during the satsang in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh is extremely painful. I hope for the speedy recovery of the injured and urge the government to provide all possible assistance to the affected families.”
BSP Chief Mayawati criticised the administration’s handling of the event, urging a thorough investigation and adequate financial assistance for the victims' families.
“It is very sad that a large number of people died and many were injured in a stampede during a religious gathering in Hathras district of UP. The government should investigate these incidents and take appropriate action,” she posted on X.