Tragic Stampede at Religious Gathering in Uttar Pradesh Leaves Over 100 Dead
In one of the most devastating incidents in recent years, a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, ended in tragedy as a stampede claimed the lives of at least 116 people, many of whom were women and children. The incident occurred in a village in Hathras district, approximately 200 km southeast of New Delhi, where a large crowd had assembled following a call by a local religious leader.
Videos circulating on social media depicted a harrowing scene with bodies strewn outside a local hospital. Ashish Kumar, the district chief, explained that the overcrowding led to chaos as people attempted to exit the area. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause and hold those responsible accountable. Initial reports suggest that the gathering exceeded the permitted number of attendees.
Eyewitnesses recounted the confusion and panic that ensued. One witness described the narrow exit points and the sudden surge of people trying to leave, which resulted in a deadly crush. Suresh Chandra, who was present at the event, highlighted the disarray at the gate, which contributed to the fatal stampede.
Government Response and Historical Context
Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state with over 200 million residents, has witnessed similar tragedies in the past. The state's Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, has ordered a thorough investigation and called for adequate treatment for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced federal assistance and compensation for the victims' families, offering 200,000 rupees ($2,400) to the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured.
Incidents of panic and accidents at religious gatherings are not uncommon in India, often attributed to poor crowd management. Previous stampedes, such as the one in central India in 2013 and another in Maharashtra in 2005, resulted in significant loss of life. The current tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures at large public events.
- The regional administration of Uttar Pradesh reported that some attendees fainted due to high humidity, exacerbating the panic when people tried to exit the tent quickly. Chaitra V from the regional administration confirmed that 18 injured individuals are receiving treatment in hospitals, with most fatalities resulting from suffocation or being trampled.
- A committee of senior police and administrative officials has been set up to investigate the incident. The police have registered a complaint and are searching for Guru Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, who organized the event. His assistant claimed that permission was granted for the gathering, but the turnout exceeded expectations.
- Reports indicate that only 40 police officers were deployed at the venue, and there were no clear security measures for managing large crowds. The lack of demarcated entrances and exits contributed to the chaos. A woman, who lost her neighbor's daughter in the stampede, recounted the difficulties faced by attendees trying to leave the venue, including slipping in a muddy ditch.
