A tragic incident occurred during a religious gathering called a ‘satsang’ in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, where 121 people lost their lives in a stampede on Tuesday. At the government hospital, many bodies were kept on ice blocks, while heartbroken family members waited outside to take their loved ones home.
The victims were among the thousands who had gathered near Phulrai village in the Sikandrarau area to attend a ‘satsang’ by the religious preacher Bhole Baba.
The stampede happened around 3:30 pm. According to an eyewitness, there were thousands of people at the event. When Bhole Baba was leaving, a large number of people rushed to touch his feet, which is a traditional gesture of respect.
As the crowd moved, some people slipped and fell because the ground had become muddy and slippery from water overflowing from a nearby drain. This caused many others to fall, leading to the deadly stampede.
Stampede at Hathras Satsang
Narayan Saakar Hari, also known as ‘Bhole Baba,’ is the preacher involved in the tragic stampede at his satsang in Hathras district, which resulted in the deaths of over 120 people on Tuesday. Despite efforts by the Uttar Pradesh Police, Bhole Baba remains unaccounted for.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar stated that Bhole Baba was not found during a search at the Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri district. This search was conducted after the stampede occurred at Bhole Baba’s satsang in Hathras.
The stampede happened around 3:30 PM as Bhole Baba was leaving the venue. In response, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed district officials to expedite relief efforts and has ordered an investigation into the incident.
On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR against the event organizers, but Bhole Baba was not mentioned in the report. Instead, ‘Mukhya Sevadar’ Devprakash Madhukar and other organizers were named in the FIR lodged at Sikandara Rao police station late Tuesday, according to a senior officer reported by PTI.
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Hathras Stampede Key Details and Updates
The Hathras stampede, a tragic incident in Uttar Pradesh, resulted from severe overcrowding. According to Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, the event organizers anticipated 80,000 attendees, but around 2.5 lakh people showed up.
The chaos erupted after the ‘satsang’ when devotees rushed to touch Baba Narayan Hari’s feet, causing many to slip and fall. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar mentioned that the police are searching for the godman involved.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath plans to visit Hathras on Wednesday. He assured that the government will thoroughly investigate the incident and punish those responsible. An inquiry team, including ADG Agra and Aligarh Divisional Commissioner, has been formed to submit a report within 24 hours. Ministers Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Asim Arun, and Sandeep Singh were dispatched to the site immediately.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, announcing Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The central government is in close contact with Uttar Pradesh authorities to provide necessary support.
Helpline numbers have been issued for those seeking information about their relatives:
- Agra Zone Control: 7839866849
- Aligarh Range Control: 7839855724
- Agra Range Control: 7839855724
- Hathras Control: 9454417377
- Etah Control: 9454417438
- Aligarh Control: 7007459568
An FIR has been filed against the organizers, citing overcrowding and security lapses. Advocate Gaurav Dwivedi has also filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Allahabad High Court, demanding a CBI inquiry.
The stampede occurred during an event by Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari ‘Bhole Baba’, a former policeman turned religious preacher. Eyewitnesses reported inadequate police presence and said people were rushing to leave due to the heat.
International reactions included condolences from German, Chinese, and French envoys, who expressed sympathy and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
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Stampede at Hathras Satsang FAQs
Q.1. What caused the stampede at the Hathras ‘satsang’?
Ans. The stampede was caused by overcrowding and slippery ground conditions when devotees rushed to touch Bhole Baba’s feet, leading to people falling and causing chaos.
Q.2. How many people died in the Hathras stampede?
Ans. The stampede resulted in 121 deaths and numerous injuries among the attendees of the religious gathering.
Q.3. Who is Bhole Baba and what is his role in the incident?
Ans. Bhole Baba, also known as Narayan Saakar Hari, is a religious preacher. The stampede occurred during his ‘satsang’ as devotees rushed to touch his feet.
Q.4. What actions are being taken by the government regarding the Hathras stampede?
Ans. The government has launched an investigation, filed an FIR against the event organizers, and issued helpline numbers. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered expedited relief efforts.
Q.5. What support has been announced for the victims of the Hathras stampede?
Ans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The central government is coordinating aid efforts with Uttar Pradesh authorities.
