More than 80 people were killed during a stampede at a ‘satsang’ (religous event) in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras on Tuesday. Among the dead were several women and children.
The dead were taken to hospitals in both Hathras and the neighbouring Etah district. While Hathras district magistrate Ashish confirmed the deaths of around 60 people in his district, officials from Etah said that another 27 deaths had been reported from hospitals there.
Speaking to the media, a senior police officer, Rajesh Kumar Singh, said the stampede took place at a satsang that was going on in a village of Hathras district.
The satsang was organised by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee for self-styled godman Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Sakar Vishwa Hari or Bhole Baba.
‘People Got Crushed’: Eyewitness
Recalling the horrific incident, an eyewitness said, “We had come for the satsang. It was a large crowd. Once the satsang ended, we started leaving. The exit was narrow. As we tried to exit towards the field, suddenly, a commotion started, and we didn’t know what to do. Many people have died.”
“After the ‘satsang’ ended, everyone came out. Outside, the road was built at a height with a drain below. One after the other, people started falling into it. Some people got crushed,” said another eyewitness.
Leaders Condoles Death
Expressing condolences to the families of those who have died, President Droupadi Murmu stated that the incident was heart-rending.
“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,” she posted on her official X handle.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I am receiving news of a tragic death in Hathras. I express my condolences to those who have lost their lives and wish for the injured to recover soon. The state government is engaged in rescue operations. The central government is in contact. All possible help will be provided to the victims.”
Taking to X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. May God give them strength to bear this pain. The local administration is engaged in relief work. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Taking cognisance of the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adinatha directed the officials to reach the site immediately and expedite the relief work.
Wishing for the speedy recovery of the wounded, the Chief Minister has also instructed officials to ensure the injured are getting proper treatment at the hospital.
Chief Minister Adityanath dispatched the Director general of police, along with two senior ministers and the Chief Secretary to the spot. UP Minister Sandeep Singh said, “We have been instructed by the CM to reach the Hathras incident site and look into the matter and take the required decisions on behalf of the government. The number of deceased is continuously increasing.”
The Chief Minister also gave instructions to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand to the injured.
A team consisting of the additional director general of police Agra and Aligarh Commissioner has been constituted to enquire into the cause of the incident, news agency ANI reported while citing official sources.
Speaking about the incident, Hathras MP Anoop Pradhan stated that he will be visiting the spot where the stampede claimed over 80 lives. “I am going to the spot. I just spoke to the district magistrate. Many people have died,” he said.
Slamming the Yogi government, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav stated, “Since the state government was earlier notified about the large number of people going to attend the satsang, it was their responsibility to ensure that appropriate measures should be taken.”
Calling it an “extremely painful” incident, Lok Sabha’s Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said, “I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The government and administration are requested to provide every possible treatment to the injured and relief to the affected families. All workers of India are requested to provide their cooperation in relief and rescue.”
Expressing condolences to the bereaved kins, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated, “My heart goes out to their family members.”
BSP chief Mayawati demanded a probe into the incident. “It is very sad that a large number of people died and many were injured in a stampede during a religious gathering in Hathras district of UP and a young man was killed during a Buddhist/Bhim Katha in Agra. The government should investigate these incidents and take appropriate action and provide financial assistance to the victim families,” she posted on X.