Hathras Stampede: Tragedy at Religious Gathering Sparks Outcry and Calls for Accountability
Tragedy in Hathras: Stampede at Religious Gathering
Background
In Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, tragedy struck a religious congregation called a ‘Satsang.’ Overcrowding led to a stampede after the event, resulting in at least 121 deaths and numerous injuries.
Incident Details
The stampede occurred in Phulrai village near Mandi of Sikandrarau, Hathras, primarily due to overcrowding. Reports indicate that 23 women, three children, and a man lost their lives due to suffocation amidst the chaos.
Official Response
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and ordered immediate relief measures. Post-mortems have been conducted on 118 bodies, with efforts ongoing to identify the remaining victims.
Statements and Reactions
Self-proclaimed Godman Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, expressed condolences over the incident, asserting he had left the venue well before the chaos erupted. However, criticism has mounted against him, demanding his arrest and a thorough investigation into the incident.
National Commission for Women’s Involvement
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded an FIR against Bhole Baba and visited Hathras to assess the situation, meeting with local officials and victims.
Family’s Anguish
Heart-wrenching accounts emerged from families searching for missing loved ones among the deceased. One brother recounted checking over 100 bodies in various postmortem houses, desperately seeking his sister.
Preliminary Findings
According to a preliminary report by the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), the stampede was triggered by pushing from Bhole Baba’s security team, exacerbated by slippery conditions.
Legal Actions
The Hathras police have filed an FIR against the organizers, accusing them of overcrowding the venue beyond capacity and flouting safety protocols.
Read More| Tragic Stampede in Hathras: 87 Dead in Religious Event Chaos
International Condolences and PIL
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida conveyed condolences to the victims’ families. At the same time, a PIL has been filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking a CBI inquiry into the incident, alleging negligence by district officials.
Conclusion
The tragic incident sparked outrage and calls for accountability, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures during large-scale gatherings.