Hathras Stampede: 121 Confirmed Dead As 'Bhole Baba' Still Remains At Large | Key Updates

Narayan Saakar Hari, alias 'Bhole Baba', remains at large following the tragic stampede at his satsang in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, which resulted in the deaths of over 121 people.

The Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a search operation at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri district in an effort to locate the self-styled godman but were unsuccessful.

Photo Credit: PTI

"We did not find Baba inside the campus... He is not here," said Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar.

The stampede occurred around 3:30 pm on Tuesday as Bhole Baba was leaving the venue. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district officials to expedite relief work and has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

Latest updates on the mishap:

Hathras Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Manjeet Singh reported that a total of 121 people have died so far. He said, "32 bodies were brought here, and 19 of them have been identified. We are identifying the rest of them."

Aligarh District Magistrate Vishak G Iyer noted that 23 bodies have been brought to Aligarh, with three injured individuals receiving treatment. One of them is in critical condition.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vowed to uncover the truth behind the incident, stating that the investigation will determine whether it was an "accident or a conspiracy."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh attributed the stampede to overcrowding, explaining that devotees were running after Bhole Baba's vehicle while some bent down to collect soil from the venue, leading to people falling. Singh visited the stampede site along with Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar.

DGP Prashant Kumar stated that most of the victims were women and children. Senior police officer Shalabh Mathur reported that over 80 others were injured and admitted to hospitals. The state government has formed a team comprising Agra's Additional Director General of Police and the Aligarh Divisional Commissioner to probe the incident, with a report expected within 24 hours.

Bhole Baba, a former UP police staffer who worked with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) for 18 years, took voluntary retirement in 1990 to pursue spirituality. He has a major following among the lower middle class and the poor in the Etah-Kasganj and Braj regions, as well as other pockets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He spoke with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following the tragedy.

Envoys from several countries, including Germany, France, China, and Israel, also extended their condolences to the victims' families.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared his distress over the tragic incident in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav slammed the UP government for its preparations, questioning why the incident occurred despite the expectation of a large gathering.

He said, "The question is what was the government doing when such an incident took place? So many people have lost their lives. They are responsible for this. Help should be provided to the families of the deceased. I hope that the government will ensure the best treatment for the injured."

(With agency inputs)