Hathras stampede: Death toll now stands at 121.
On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR against the organisers of the religious congregation linked to the Hathras stampede, where the death toll has risen to 121. Authorities cited negligence and safety violations as key reasons. Families of the victims are demanding justice, and the incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for better crowd management at such events.
Authorities are working to identify the victims, and a government official mentioned that only four of the 121 bodies remain to be identified. The tragedy has prompted an FIR against the event’s organisers, who are accused of negligence and safety violations. Families of the victims are demanding justice, and the incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for better crowd management at such events to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
After the stampede, 21 bodies were taken to Agra, 28 to Etah, 34 were in Hathras, and 38 in Aligarh, according to a senior official. All bodies in Agra have been identified,” the official told PTI in Hathras.
The incident has led to widespread outrage and calls for better crowd management at such events.
The event, which drew a crowd of 2.5 lakh people, had permission for only 80,000 attendees. However, the name of the conductor of the congregation, Jagat Guru Saakar Vishwahari, does not appear in the list of accused in the FIR, although his name is mentioned in the complaint.
The FIR alleged that the organisers misrepresented the number of devotees expected at the ‘satsang’ while seeking permission. They are also accused of not cooperating in traffic management and hiding evidence after the stampede. The tragic incident occurred when people gathered to collect mud from the path where the baba’s vehicle was passing, leading to a chaotic situation.
The victims were part of a massive crowd that had gathered near Phulrai village in the Sikandrarau area for the ‘satsang’ by religious preacher Bhole Baba. The stampede took place around 3:30 PM as Baba was leaving the venue.
Local authorities and emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but the overwhelming number of casualties and injuries has strained resources. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, and medical teams have been working around the clock to provide care. The state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and injured, but the community remains in shock and mourning.
In the aftermath, questions are being raised about the planning and oversight of such large gatherings. Critics argue that better infrastructure and stricter enforcement of safety protocols could have prevented the tragedy. The incident has also brought to light issues of accountability and transparency in organizing large-scale religious events.
The Office of the Relief Commissioner has been tasked with coordinating relief efforts and identifying the remaining victims. Efforts are underway to support the affected families, with counseling and financial aid being provided.
Religious congregations like this one are a common occurrence in India, drawing large crowds of devotees. However, the Hathras tragedy underscores the need for better management and regulation to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees.
As investigations continue, the state government has vowed to take strict action against those found responsible for the negligence and violations that led to the stampede. The incident has also sparked a broader discussion on the need for reforms in the organization and regulation of mass gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In conclusion, the Hathras stampede has been a devastating event with a significant loss of life and numerous injuries. The response from authorities, both immediate and in terms of long-term measures, will be crucial in addressing the concerns raised and ensuring that such an incident does not occur again. The community, meanwhile, continues to grieve and seek justice for the victims of this tragic event.