A stampede at a large prayer meeting, known as ‘Satsang,’ in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh has led to the death of 121 people and left 28 others injured. The incident occurred on Wednesday during a congregation organized by Devprakash Madhukar, referred to as ‘Mukhya Sewadar,’ and other organizers.
The First Information Report (FIR) against the organizers includes charges under Sections 105, 110, 126(2), 223, and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The prayer meeting was held near GT Road in the village of Phulrai Mugalgarhi and was led by Suraj Pal, also known by several names including Narayan Hari, Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, or simply ‘Bhole Baba.’
Madhukar had obtained permission from the administration for an expected crowd of around 80,000 people, and the necessary traffic and safety measures were planned accordingly. However, the actual turnout was much higher, with about 2.5 lakh (250,000) people attending the event, causing severe traffic congestion and halting vehicular movement.
As the Satsang concluded, the massive crowd leaving the venue led to a deadly stampede. Many attendees, including women, children, and men, were trampled as they tried to exit. The organizers attempted to control the crowd using sticks, but this only increased the panic and pressure among the people, worsening the situation.
Response and Rescue Efforts
Police and administrative officials on the scene made every effort to assist the injured, sending them to hospitals with the available resources. However, the FIR states that the organizers did not cooperate with the rescue operations. A forensic team and a dog squad from the state police have since been deployed to the incident site for further investigation.
Aligarh District Magistrate Vishak G Iyer reported that 23 bodies were brought to Aligarh, and three injured people are currently receiving treatment, with one in critical condition.
Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar confirmed that ‘Bhole Baba’ was not found at his ashram, Ram Kutir Charitable Trust, in Mainpuri district, and a search for him is ongoing.
BJP MLA Asim Arun, who visited the victims and eyewitnesses, announced that a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Director General of Police (DG) Zone Agra to investigate the incident.
A report will be submitted to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has promised a thorough investigation to determine if the stampede was an accident or a conspiracy.
In addition, advocate Gaurav Dwivedi has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Allahabad High Court, requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the stampede. The investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind the tragic incident and hold those responsible accountable.
This devastating event has brought immense grief to the community, and the ongoing investigations will hopefully provide answers and prevent such tragedies in the future.
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