Tragic Stampede at UP Satsang Claims 116 Lives, Most Victims Women

A stampede at a religious event on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of 116 people, primarily women, as devotees suffocated and bodies piled up in a tragic incident. The stampede occurred after the 'satsang' concluded, with some reports suggesting that people slipped in the mud while chasing the preacher's car, causing the chaos.

UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh confirmed the death toll at 116, noting that except for seven children and one man, all victims were women. Singh mentioned that 72 of the deceased have been identified so far. Victims, whether dead or unconscious, were transported to the Sikandara Rau Trauma Centre in trucks and 'tempos'. Bodies lay scattered outside this Hathras health centre as people gathered around them.

Details of the Incident

According to District Magistrate Ashish Kumar, the 'satsang' was a private event for which permission was granted by the sub-divisional magistrate. The local administration provided security outside the venue, while the organisers managed arrangements inside. The chief secretary stated that the application letter for permission estimated 80,000 participants, but actual attendance far exceeded this number.

Videos before the stampede showed attendees under a large 'shamiana', listening to Bhole Baba, who sat on a throne-like chair. The preacher, formerly a policeman in the 1990s, left the force to start holding 'satsangs'. Politicians are reportedly among his followers. "There was a race among people running after his vehicle," said the chief secretary. He added that people often pick up soil from where Baba has stepped and worship it, leading to bending down and falling.

Eyewitness Accounts

Satsang participant Sonu Kumar attributed the stampede to slippery ground conditions. "When Guru ji left after almost one and half hours, devotees suddenly ran behind him to touch his feet," he said. As they turned back, some slipped. Another participant, Shakuntala Devi, said people fell atop each other while leaving the venue, leading to bodies being pulled out one after another.

Sikandra Rau police station SHO Ashish Kumar blamed "overcrowding" at the 'satsang'. Another participant who left before the event ended mentioned that arrangements were inadequate given the number of devotees present. Sikandra Rau sub-divisional magistrate Ravendra Kumar noted that devotees tried to get a glimpse of Bhole Baba and collect soil from around his feet after the event ended.

Government Response

The state government announced that Agra’s additional director general of police and Aligarh divisional commissioner would lead an investigation into the incident. The team has been instructed to submit their report within 24 hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences during a parliamentary debate and stated that senior central government officials are in constant contact with Uttar Pradesh authorities to coordinate aid efforts.

On social media, President Droupadi Murmu described the news as heart-rending. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed sadness over the incident. An FIR will be registered against the organisers of the event according to a state government statement.

Compensation Announced

The Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for each victim's next of kin. Injured individuals will receive Rs 50,000. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a similar announcement and directed state ministers Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary and Sandeep Singh to head to Hathras. The chief secretary and state police chief were also instructed to reach the spot.

This tragic event has highlighted significant issues regarding crowd management at large gatherings and has prompted immediate governmental action to address these concerns.