Uttar Pradesh CM to Assess Hathras Tragedy After Stampede Kills 116

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to visit Hathras on Wednesday following a tragic stampede at a religious event that resulted in 116 fatalities, according to a senior government official. The chief minister is closely monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and DGP Prashant Kumar have arrived at the scene. A team comprising ADG Agra and Aligarh Divisional Commissioner has been formed to investigate the cause of the incident, with a report due within 24 hours, as stated by the government.

Investigation and Government Response

Adityanath is conducting meetings with senior officials at his residence. Additionally, three ministers—Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Asim Arun, and Sandeep Singh—have been dispatched to the location.

Speaking to reporters, Adityanath said, "Our government will get to the bottom of this incident and give appropriate punishment to the conspirators and those responsible. The state government is investigating this entire incident. We will see whether it is an accident or a conspiracy."

The chief minister also criticised political parties for exploiting the tragedy for political gain. He remarked, "Doing politics on such an incident is extremely unfortunate and condemnable. This is the time to heal the wounds of the victims, to sympathize with the victims. The government is sensitive in this matter and no culprit will be spared."

Details of the Incident

The stampede occurred between 3 pm and 3:30 pm in Sikandrarao of Hathras district during a Bhole Baba event. Local devotees were attending when a preacher descended from the stage after the programme ended. As devotees moved towards him and sevadars tried to stop them, chaos ensued.

According to a statement, lakhs of devotees attended the Bhole Baba event, known as Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari, in Hathras district. The number of attendees exceeded the permitted limit set by authorities.

The Hathras district administration has issued helpline numbers—05722227041 and 05722227042—for assistance. In what is considered one of the worst tragedies in recent years, 116 devotees died from suffocation as bodies piled atop each other during the stampede in Phulrai village.

Adityanath described the incident as "extremely sad and heart-wrenching." He assured that anyone found guilty would face consequences.