A devastating incident took place in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. At least 87 people, including women and children, lost their lives in a stampede on Tuesday, July 2 as per Chaitra V, Commissioner Aligarh. The stampede happened during a ‘satsang’ attended by thousands at Phulrai village within the Sikandra Rao police station limits.

The tragic event has affected the community. Visuals from the Community Health Centre showed bodies being transported in buses and tempos, while grieving relatives gathered at the event. Hathras District Magistrate Ashish Kumar said that 50-60 people were initially confirmed dead by doctors at the community health centre. Additionally, officials in Etah district confirmed another 27 deaths, bringing the total to 87.

Hathras
Image Source: Rediff.com

Kumar told that the stampede started as the crowd was dispersing after the event, which was organised to honour a local guru, Bhole Baba, also known as Narayan Saakar Hari. He added, “The stampede broke out in Phulrai village within the Sikandra Rao police station limits in Hathras. The injured are being taken to hospitals. Doctors at the community health centre have told me 50-60 people have died.”

Focus on Justice and Safety in Hathras

The Chief Medical Officer of Etah, Dr. Umesh Kumar Tripathi, reported that 27 bodies, including 25 females and two males, were received at the Etah hospital. The Senior Superintendent of Police in Etah, Rajesh Kumar, reported that among the deceased, three children were also killed.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Officials have confirmed that a case will be filed against the organisers of the event.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, instructed officials in a post on X, to launch relief and rescue operations immediately and to make sure proper treatment for the injured. He dispatched State ministers Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary and Sandeep Singh, along with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, to the village to look after the situation.

Adityanath expressed his condolences, stating, “A committee, headed by the Additional Director General of Police, Agra, and the Aligarh Commissioner, has been established to investigate the incident.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, praying for the recovery of the injured and assured that the Centre is providing all possible assistance to the Uttar Pradesh government.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Prevention Measures

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her sorrow on X, describing the incident as heart-wrenching. She posted, “The news of the death of many devotees, including women and children, in the accident in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh is heart-rending. I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

As the community mourns due to this tragic happening, the authorities are working to support the victims’ families and ensure justice and safety for all. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with a focus on preventing such tragedies in the near future.

You might also be interested in - Hathras Sexual assault accused out on bail kills victim’s father because he stood for her daughter: Girl Pleads for justice