Hathras: Major tragedy, 87 lives lost in stampede at Shiv Katha

The stampede happened in Ratibhanpur, Hathras, after a satsang (spiritual gathering) addressed by Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, who claimed to have previously worked for the IB. More than 20,000 people had gathered at the satsang.

| Updated: 02 July, 2024 5:57 pm IST

Hathras, Uttar Pradesh: At least 27 people have died in a tragic stampede that occurred during a Shiv Katha event in Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place as attendees were trying to exit the hall through a small gate, leading to chaos and a desperate rush to leave early.

The stampede happened in Ratibhanpur, Hathras, after a satsang (spiritual gathering) addressed by Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, who claimed to have previously worked for the IB. More than 20,000 people had gathered at the satsang.

Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, was addressing the gathering.

Among the deceased, 25 were women and 2 were men. The injured are currently receiving treatment at Etah Medical College.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident in Hathras, offering condolences to the bereaved families. He directed officials to conduct relief and rescue operations and ensure proper treatment for the injured. Ministers Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary and Sandeep Singh have been sent to the site, and the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police have been instructed to join them. An investigation team led by ADG Agra and Commissioner Aligarh has been formed to determine the cause of the accident. The CM prayed for the souls of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured.

According to the health department, a satsang or festival was ongoing near Sikandrarao when the stampede broke out. So far, 27 deaths have been confirmed by authorities.

The Sikandra Rao Trauma Center in Hathras is overwhelmed, with a pile of bodies and only one doctor available to attend to the victims. Many patients arriving from the satsang site are being referred to other facilities due to the lack of resources. Eyewitnesses claim that the death toll might exceed 100.

“In our post-mortem house, we currently have 27 bodies—2 males and 25 females, and more are still arriving. We don’t have all the details yet,” stated a health department official.

The scene at the trauma centre is chaotic, with grieving families and survivors demanding answers and immediate assistance. The authorities are working to manage the situation and provide necessary aid to the injured.

Official Statements and Eyewitness Accounts:

“The stampede has resulted in many deaths. At our Etah hospital, we have received 27 dead bodies so far, including 23 women, 3 children, and 1 male. This is a tragic incident, and I hope their souls rest in peace,” shared SSP of Etah Rajesh.

“It’s been an hour and a half since the incident, yet there’s no senior official here, and no proper arrangements have been made. How many people have died? Who will take responsibility?” questioned an angry local.

“They have no arrangements at all. No police, no administration, no inspector. There are no doctors in the hospital,” said another local man who carried the bodies to the hopital from Hathras.

 

The authorities are working to manage the situation and provide necessary aid to the injured. More details are awaited.

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