Tragic Stampede in Hathras: 87 Dead in Religious Event Chaos

Tragic Stampede in Hathras: 87 Dead in Religious Event Chaos

At least 87 people lost their lives, including women and three children, in a tragic stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred during a prayer meeting attended by hundreds of people. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as bodies were transported to the Community Health Centre, accompanied by grieving relatives.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken serious note of the tragedy and is initiating an investigation through a committee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. PM Modi, assuring the central government’s unwavering support, pledged all possible resources for the relief and rehabilitation efforts in Uttar Pradesh.

According to Hathras District Magistrate Ashish Kumar, initial reports indicated 50-60 fatalities, with an additional 27 confirmed by officials in Etah district. The stampede occurred during the ‘Satsang,’ a religious gathering and discourse in Phulrai village, within the Sikandra Rao police station limits. Medical officials reported a significant number of women among the deceased.

Deeply distressed to know about the loss of lives in Hathras, UP, under unfortunate circumstances.

I express my deep condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of the injured.

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) July 2, 2024

The ‘satsang’ was organized in honor of a local guru, Bhole Baba aka Narayan Saakar Hari. As people were leaving, chaos erupted, possibly exacerbated by the crowd not dispersing until the guru’s departure. The administration managed security arrangements, although organizational aspects were the responsibility of the event organizers.

The Chief Medical Officer of Etah, Dr. Umesh Kumar Tripathi, confirmed the deaths and mentioned that injured individuals were receiving medical care. Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar sadly noted the deaths of three children among the victims.

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In response to the tragedy, compensation of ₹2 lakh each has been announced for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Authorities have assured that a case will be registered against the organizers to ascertain responsibility for the incident.