One of the worst catastrophes in the government’s recent memory occurred when Suraj Pal, also known as “Bhole Baba,” led a stampede at an event in Hathras that resulted in terrible asphyxia and a pile-up of dead.
In a stampede that occurred on Tuesday, July 2, at a religious ceremony in the Hathras region of Uttar Pradesh, at least 121 persons, predominantly women, lost their lives. The incident happened as participants were leaving a “Satsang” led by spiritual master “Bhole Baba” that was held in Phulrai hamlet.
Suffocation and a mass of deaths resulted from the stampede, making it one of the worst such incidents in recent memory. Suraj Pal, sometimes referred to as “Narayan Sakar Hari” or “Bhole Baba,” is a preacher from Bahadur Nagar hamlet in the Kasganj area of Uttar Pradesh. He planned the event.
What Caused The Rush Of Hathras?
The catastrophe occurred in the village of Rati Bhanpur in the Sikandra Rau region of the Hathras district, not long after Bhole Baba had given a speech to his disciples. According to preliminary police investigations, attendees at the packed venue may have panicked and fled, which set off the stampede. This was likely caused by asphyxia.
Officials have identified a number of causes, including the intense humidity and the throng of devotees clamoring to touch Bhole Baba’s feet, but the precise cause is still being investigated. According to Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, the stampede most likely started when followers attempted to gather “pair ki dhool,” or dust off Bhole Baba’s feet, in order to obtain his blessings.
Although there was a “substantial presence” of police at the location, the disturbance was caused by more people than was allowed. Witnesses said that as Bhole Baba drove away, the mob pushed towards him, escalating the stampede even more.
As followers started to leave, District Magistrate Ashish Kumar observed that the high humidity may have made things worse.
Testimonies From Survivors And Government Declarations
According to a survivor who described the tumultuous scene, the stampede started as the event ended and the throng rushed to get out. There was no obvious route out of the enormous crowd. According to a sufferer cited by The Indian Express, “motorcycles parked outside further blocked the exit, leading to people fainting and others dying.”
Government Reaction To The Event In Hathras
According to NDTV, Bhole Baba, whose real name is Suraj Pal, is anticipated to be arrested shortly. He is supposedly 100 kilometers from Phulrai village in his ashram in Mainpuri. The Ram Kutir Charitable Trust, his ashram, and the stampede scene are being investigated by senior police officers.
Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, has also declared an ex gratia payment of Rs 50,000 for the injured and Rs 2 lakh for the relatives of the deceased. This coming Wednesday, he is going to Hathras.
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu sent their condolences. On X, the previous Twitter, PM Modi said, “My thoughts are with those bereaved in Hathras.” Alongside the injured in prayer. The UP government is making efforts to support individuals impacted.
President Murmu described the tragedy as “heart-wrenching,” and Rahul Gandhi, the head of the Congress, urged the government to give the affected families all the support they need.
It is heartbreaking to learn that numerous devotees, including women and children, perished in the disaster in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras area. President Murmu remarked, “I offer my sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones and I hope those who were hurt get well soon.
Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, urged INDIA alliance personnel to visit the scene and assist the injured. I send my sincerest sympathies to the families of those who have lost a loved one, and I wish the injured parties a quick recovery.
Organizers risk legal action
The event planners face legal action for hosting more guests than allowed. Although permission was given for 80,000 persons, the FIR claims that over a quarter of a million people showed up. Sections 105, 110, 126 (2), 223, and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been the subject of charges.
To look into the event, a high-level committee headed by the Aligarh Commissioner and the Additional Director General of Police, Agra, has been formed.
Two helpline numbers, 05722227041 and 05722227042, have been made available by the Uttar Pradesh government to assist anyone impacted by the Hathras stampede.
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