Manashimaya
In a heart-wrenching incident, a stampede at a ‘satsang’ (religious event) in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras on Tuesday led to the tragic loss of 116 lives, including women and children. The event has left the entire nation in shock and mourning. The state government has swiftly responded by ordering a thorough investigation and deploying three ministers to the site to oversee the relief operations.
Inspector General (Aligarh) Shalabh Mathur confirmed the grim toll, stating that 116 people have perished in the tragic stampede at Satsang in UP’s Hathras. He announced that an FIR would be filed against the event organisers, citing that the crowd far exceeded the permitted number. This high-level inquiry aims to uncover the causes and prevent such tragedies in the future.
Of the 116 casualties, 108 were women, seven were children, and one was a man, according to Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, who visited the scene. There are currently 72 known casualties. For the families of the deceased, the administration has offered an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh, and for the injured, Rs 50,000. The national government will equal this aid. The purpose of this funding is to offer some comfort to the relatives of those killed in the devastating stampede at Satsang in the Hathras region of Uttar Pradesh.
The Satsang, organised by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee for self-styled godman Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Sakar Vishwa Hari or Bhole Baba, turned fatal when a large crowd surged forward to get a glimpse of the preacher. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as devotees suffocated and bodies piled atop each other, marking it as one of the deadliest stampedes in recent years. The victims were rushed to the Sikandara Rao Trauma Centre and a government hospital in Etah.
Heartbreaking visuals from the site showed people transporting victims, both dead and unconscious, in ambulances, trucks, and cars. The atmosphere at the Sikandara Rao Trauma Centre was poignant, with injured individuals lying near the hospital entrance surrounded by distraught relatives. According to Sikandra Rao sub-divisional magistrate Ravendra Kumar, the stampede ensued as devotees tried to touch Bhole Baba and collect soil from around his feet, leading to the tragic stampede at Satsang in UP’s Hathras.
Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister, extended his sincere condolences and called the incident “heartbreaking” and “very sad.” He said that the massive gathering was the result of local organizers and declared the creation of a team under Additional DG Agra to conduct a thorough investigation of the occurrence. Actively overseeing the situation and making sure all required steps are taken are the Chief Secretary, DGP, and three state ministers.
Eyewitness accounts recall the sheer horror of the event. One witness described a narrow exit that became a deadly bottleneck, while another recounted how people fell into a drain, leading to further casualties. The tragic stampede at Satsang in UP’s Hathras has left an indelible mark on the community.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are among the national leaders who have sent their sincere condolences. While certain political figures have urged for strict steps to prevent such tragedies, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged that the central government will provide all support necessary.
In conclusion, the tragic stampede at Satsang in UP’s Hathras is a poignant reminder of the need for stringent safety measures at large gatherings. As investigations continue and relief efforts are underway, the nation mourns the loss of 116 precious lives and prays for the recovery of the injured.