A stampede at ‘Satsang’ (religious prayer meeting) in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh killed 121 people as devotees. Over 100 women and 7 children choked to death and bodies piled atop each other in the worst such tragedy in recent years.
Victims were brought to Sikandra Rao Trauma Centre in trucks and other vehicles. Also, the bodies of victims lay outside the hospital where people surrounded them.
The state government ordered the officials to ensure that the injured are admitted to the hospital and all necessary measures are taken. CM Yogi Adityanath himself reached the stampede site and met the families of the victims. He addressed a press conference regarding the incident and also ordered a high-level committee to be formed to probe into the incident.
What led to the event
As per the reports, a Stampede in Hathras broke out on Tuesday when servitors of Bhole Baba stopped followers from seeking blessings and collecting soil from the preacher’s feet. Amid heat and humidity, crowds started pushing one another due to which they fell on the ground leading to chaos on the site.
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Who is Bhole Baba, the Godman behind Hathras?
Reportedly, Satsang was held by Sarkar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, formerly known as Saurabh Kumar. As claimed by baba, he previously worked in the intelligence department of Uttar Pradesh Police. After 17 years of service, he quit his job and started his spiritual journey as a preacher in the 1990s. He is often seen giving his lessons in a white suit and tie. He along with his wife organizes satsang events in different places. Hundreds of devotees regularly attended his events.
Case Against Hathras Satsang Organisers
As per officials, a case has been filed against the Satsang organizers. According to the FIR, consent was given for 80,000 people but more than 2.5 lakh devotees appeared for the event. In the FIR, it is also said that the police and the administrative officials at the spot tried to send injured people to the hospital with available sources but the organizers did not cooperate. However, the FIR against Bhole Baba has not been done yet.
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Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolences to the families of victims of this horrifying incident. He has also announced a compensation of Rs. 2 lakh ex gratia for families of the dead and INR 50,000 to every injured.
About the Author
Simran Akhouri is a postgraduate student in journalism from the University of Delhi. She has developed strong writing skills that allow her to convey stories. She is passionate about uncovering the truth and delivering it to the public in an engaging and accessible manner.
