Tragedy in Hathras: Stampede at Religious Gathering Claims 121 Lives, Majority Women; SIT to Investigate.

In the tragic incident that occurred in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, the death toll has now risen to 121 people. Among the victims, the majority are women. Out of the total number of deceased, 102 bodies have been identified, while 19 remain unidentified. The distribution of the identified bodies is as follows: 38 bodies were sent to Aligarh, 34 to Hathras, 21 to Agra, and 28 to Etah. Among the deceased, there is one person from Firozabad, 16 from Agra, 12 from Aligarh, 19 from Hathras, nine from Etah, and nine from Kasganj. Additionally, one person each from Gautam Buddha Nagar and Lalitpur, eight from Mathura, one from Sambhal, one from Anupshahar, six from Badaun, one from Pilibhit, four from Shahjahanpur, two from Auraiya, and four from Bulandshahr have lost their lives. People from other states also attended the satsang, and the deceased include three from Faridabad, one from Palwal, one from Rajasthan, and one from Gwalior.

This horrific incident that has shaken the entire nation occurred when devotees rushed to take blessings and touch the feet of Narayan Sakar Vishw Hari (Bhole Baba) after his satsang. The overwhelming majority of the deceased are women. This tragedy is the second largest in the state since the stampede at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh in 1954. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to determine the cause of the stampede that led to the deaths of 121 devotees returning from the satsang in Sikandararao’s Fulari. The investigation aims to uncover whether this was an accident or a deliberate conspiracy. The probe will involve a retired judge from the High Court and other senior officials. Eyewitness accounts from survivors of the incident have also been collected for the investigation.

The Chief Minister emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ensure justice for the victims and their families. He also announced immediate relief measures for the affected families and promised strict action against anyone found responsible for the tragedy. The incident has prompted a state-wide review of safety measures at large gatherings to prevent such occurrences in the future. This tragic event underscores the need for better crowd management and safety protocols during large gatherings, particularly religious events that draw massive crowds. The state government is now focusing on implementing stricter regulations and ensuring that adequate safety measures are in place to protect the lives of devotees and attendees at such events.

The aftermath of the Hathras incident has left families grieving and communities in shock. As the investigation proceeds, there is a growing demand for accountability and preventive measures to avoid such disasters in the future. The government’s response and the results of the investigation will be crucial in restoring public confidence and ensuring that the safety of people is prioritized during large public gatherings. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of crowd control and the need for authorities to be vigilant in managing large events. The lessons learned from this incident will hopefully lead to improved safety standards and prevent future tragedies, ensuring that such a devastating loss of life does not occur again.

By Neelam Singh.