Over 100 Killed in Stampede at 'Satsang' in UP's Hathras, Who's Responsible?

Noida: Over 100 people including women and children were killed, while many were injured in a stampede at a religious congregation in Ratibhanpur village in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh. The injured have been admitted to Etah Medical College for treatment and the death toll is likely to rise as bodies were seen lying everywhere.

People had come to the gathering not only from Uttar Pradesh but also from other states. The accident happened while people were trying to collect the soil from Baba's feet as they were leaving. The place of the accident was muddy.

Hathras DM Assures ‘All Possible Help’

Hathras DM Ashish Kumar said, “District administration is investigating the matter. The injured are being taken to the hospital and people are still being recovered. A figure of nearly 50-60 deaths has been reported to me by the doctors. Permission for the event to be held was given by the SDM and it was a private event. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The primary focus of the administration is to provide all possible help to the injured and kin of the deceased.”

The stampede apparently occurred due to overcrowding, Sikandra Rao police station SHO Ashish Kumar said.

What Led to Stampede?

As the event concluded, a stampede broke out, resulting in injuries to several people, including women and children. An eyewitness to the incident Jyoti said, “Suddenly there was pushing and shoving as there were more people than space allowed. The incident happened after the Satsang ended, when everyone tried to leave at once.”

Etah SSP Rajesh Kumar Singh said, “A religious event was going on in Mughalgarhi village of Hathras district when the stampede occurred. Further investigation is being carried out.”

Victims Brought to Trauma Centre in Trucks

Victims, dead or unconscious, were brought to the Sikandara Rao Trauma Centre in trucks and other vehicles. The bodies were laid outside the health centre as people milled around them. One video clip showed a woman crying, sitting among five or six bodies in a truck. Another picture showed a man and a woman lying lifeless in another vehicle. 

PM Modi, President Murmu Offer Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu also offered their condolences to the families of those who were killed and said they were praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. PM Modi said the Centre is extending all possible help to the Uttar Pradesh government. 

PM Announces Ex-Gratia

The PM has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Hathras. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.

President Draupadi Murmu condoled the incident and said, “The news of the death of many devotees including women and children in the accident in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh is heart-rending. I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

CM Yogi Directs Officials to Speed-Up Relief Work 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolences to the bereaved families of those who died in the accident in Hathras district. He has also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. He has directed the district administration officials to immediately take the injured to the hospital for their proper treatment and to speed up the relief work at the spot. He announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for the families of the dead and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.

The Uttar Pradesh government said an FIR will be registered against the organisers of the programme.

According to officials, a team comprising the Agra additional director general of police and the divisional commissioner of Aligarh will probe the incident.

Govt Issues Helpline Numbers

Meanwhile, the District Magistrate Hathras issued helpline numbers for the families. In a post on X, the Magistrate wrote, "In view of the accident that took place in Hathras district, the district administration, keeping an eye on the situation of the incident, has issued helplines 05722227041 and 05722227042 for the help of the general public."