Incident Overview
The death toll from a stampede at a Hindu religious congregation in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, has risen to 121. The incident occurred during an event on Tuesday where the number of attendees far exceeded the permitted capacity.
Details of the Event
- Location: Village in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, about 200 km southeast of New Delhi.
- Permitted Capacity: Police had authorized a gathering of 80,000 people.
- Actual Attendance: Approximately 250,000 people attended, as stated in the police report reviewed by Reuters.
- Casualties: 121 people killed and 28 injured. Among the deceased were 108 women and seven children, according to Manoj Kumar Singh, Uttar Pradesh state’s chief secretary.
Cause and Chaos
The stampede began when the preacher, Surajpal (also known as ‘Bhole Baba’), was leaving the event in his car. Thousands of devotees surged towards the vehicle, leading to chaos and crushing people still seated in the gathering. Some victims fell into an adjacent field of slush and mud and were trampled.
Eyewitness Accounts
- Kamla’s Testimony: A devotee named Kamla, who had been attending the preacher’s gatherings for two decades, was present with her 16-year-old daughter. Both were injured in the stampede, and Kamla’s daughter succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
Investigation and Response
Local media reports indicate that the event was organized by a group of devotees, though specific individuals have not been identified. Police are currently attempting to locate the preacher, Surajpal. Police officials in Hathras have not yet provided further comments.
Context
The event highlights the dangers of overcrowded gatherings and the necessity for strict adherence to permitted capacities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
