Rahul Gandhi Visits Hathras to Support Families of Stampede Victims, Calls for Improved Safety Measures
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited Hathras on Friday morning to meet with families affected by the tragic stampede that took place on July 2 at a religious ‘satsang’ event in Fulari village. The incident claimed the lives of 123 people. During his journey to Hathras, Gandhi also made a stop in Aligarh to offer condolences to other victims’ families.
The stampede occurred during an event organized by the self-styled godman Suraj Pal, also known as ‘Bhole Baba.’ All the victims’ bodies have been identified and returned to their respective families. The local authorities have registered an FIR, naming the event organizers but notably excluding ‘Bhole Baba.’
Upon arrival in Hathras, Gandhi engaged with the grieving families, listening to their accounts and concerns. One family member emphasized the lack of proper medical facilities at the venue. “Rahul Gandhi assured us of his support through his party. The administration at the ‘Satsang’ was inadequate. My sister-in-law could have been saved with proper medical care,” she said. This sentiment was echoed by another woman who had lost her mother and brother in the stampede. She mentioned that Gandhi had promised all possible assistance, urging them to remain patient.
Nitin Kumar, a young man who lost his mother, Shanti Devi, provided a poignant account of the chaotic events. He and his mother attended the ‘Satsang’ together but were separated during the incident. After learning about the stampede, Nitin discovered his mother had been taken to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. “He asked about our well-being and assured us of help of all kinds. We have also asked him to raise this issue in Parliament so that such incidents do not repeat,” Nitin stated, reflecting the family’s hope that such tragedies could be prevented in the future.
However, not all interactions went smoothly. Lata, Shanti Devi’s daughter, expressed frustration that Rahul Gandhi did not come directly to their house. Instead, some family members were summoned to another location to meet him. Despite this, Gandhi’s visit underscored the critical need for improved event management and safety measures to avert similar disasters.
The Hathras stampede has sparked significant outrage and grief, highlighting glaring deficiencies in the organization and safety protocols of large gatherings. Many survivors and families of the victims pointed out that the event was poorly managed, lacking basic amenities such as adequate medical facilities and proper crowd control measures. The tragic loss of life has led to widespread calls for accountability and stringent regulations to ensure the safety of participants in large religious and public events.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Hathras is seen as a significant political gesture, reinforcing the Congress party’s commitment to addressing public grievances and pushing for systemic changes. By personally meeting with the victims’ families, Gandhi aimed to provide not only immediate support but also to amplify their voices in the larger political discourse. His assurances of help and his promise to raise the issue in Parliament resonate with a broader agenda of ensuring that such incidents are not forgotten and that steps are taken to prevent their recurrence.
The incident has also prompted discussions about the responsibilities of event organizers and the role of authorities in enforcing safety regulations. The exclusion of ‘Bhole Baba’ from the FIR has raised questions about the thoroughness and impartiality of the investigation. Families of the victims and public commentators alike are calling for a more transparent and accountable process to bring those responsible to justice.
As the nation mourns the loss of 123 lives in the Hathras stampede, there is a collective demand for reform. Ensuring that religious and public events are conducted safely, with all necessary precautions in place, is now a critical focus. Rahul Gandhi’s engagement with the affected families is a step toward addressing these concerns and pushing for meaningful changes that prioritize public safety and prevent future tragedies.