UP Hathras News: 116 killed at ‘satsang’, ‘suffocation’ primary reason
The devastating stampede in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, has claimed the lives of 116 individuals, with suffocation identified as the leading cause of death. The unfortunate event transpired at the end of a ‘Satsang’ in Phulrai village near Mandi of Sikandrarau, a religious gathering typically lasting overnight. The incident has drawn nationwide attention and grief, prompting responses from both the state and central governments.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police, Etah, Rajesh Kumar Singh, twenty-seven bodies, including those of 23 women, three children, and one man, were brought to Etah hospital. The stampede was reportedly caused by overcrowding, as confirmed by Ashish Kumar, the Station House Officer of Sikandara Rao police station.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to carry out comprehensive relief measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address in the Lok Sabha, conveyed his sorrow over the incident, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. He assured the public that the state government is actively involved in search and rescue operations, with senior officials from the Central Government maintaining close contact with their state counterparts to ensure all necessary assistance is provided.
The aftermath of the stampede has posed significant challenges, especially in handling the deceased. BJP MLA Asim Arun highlighted the difficulties faced in managing the bodies due to the chaotic situation. Eyewitnesses recounted that the stampede occurred when a crowd rushed to seek blessings from the event’s chief spokesperson, leading to congestion in a narrow pathway.
Vinod, a resident who lost his 16-year-old daughter, wife, and mother in the disaster, shared his heart-wrenching story. He was unaware that his family had attended the Satsang until he received news of the stampede. Upon reaching the site, he discovered the tragic fate of his loved ones, expressing his overwhelming sense of loss and despair.
The scene at the Sikandara Rao Trauma Centre was one of utter devastation. Bodies lay scattered as grieving relatives gathered, wiping away tears and consoling each other. Many injured individuals were found lying near the entrance of the hospital, surrounded by anxious family members. Local residents have criticized the administrative authorities for their perceived negligence, blaming them for the tragedy.
In response to the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dispatched three ministers to the site to oversee the situation. BJP MLA Asim Arun noted that the stampede occurred as people, particularly women, rushed to receive blessings from the saint presiding over the event. An investigation committee has been established to determine the causes and prevent future occurrences, with the Chief Minister planning to visit the site soon.
Political leaders, including AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, have called for a thorough investigation into the incident. They criticized the state government for its inability to manage the crowd effectively. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi urged the government to handle the situation with sensitivity, offering his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Hathras MP Anoop Pradhan and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath both assured the public that those responsible for the incident would face appropriate consequences. Pradhan, expressing his condolences, emphasized the need for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The official reports confirmed by Commissioner Aligarh, Chaitra V, stated that 116 people had died and 18 were injured. An FIR has been filed against the event organizers for exceeding the permitted number of attendees. Aligarh IG Shalabh Mathur mentioned that a high-level inquiry is underway to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The Hathras District Magistrate clarified that the event had been approved by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and police had been deployed for security. The investigation continues to uncover the full extent of the incident and the factors that led to this tragic outcome.