The spiritual congregation in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on 2nd July witnessed a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 116 people, injuring hundreds, making it one of the most harrowing disasters in recent times. The event was organized by 'Bhole Baba,' also known as Baba Narayan Hari or Sakar Vishwa Hari. The majority of the deceased and injured were women and children. The Aaj Tak team visited the site following the tragic incident, which looked as if the congregation ground had turned into a cremation ground.
As Bhole Baba departed in his car after the congregation ended, a surge of devotees sprinted behind him for a final glimpse and to touch his feet. According to Aaj Tak correspondent Himanshu Mishra, devotees scrambled to collect soil from spots where the Baba stepped. There was a ditch about five to six feet deep across the road. As the influx of people from behind surged, those at the front began to fall towards the ditch, leading to more people falling on top of each other in a continuous chain.
People falling into water and mud
In the fields downstream from the road, which were filled with water and mud, people, in their scramble, got stuck and fell, leading to numerous deaths due to suffocation and being crushed. Footprints in the fields, along with scattered sandals and shoes of women and children, painted a grim picture. Although the congregation was expected to have 80,000 participants, the actual figure was much higher. Despite the knowledge of such a huge gathering, organizers did not arrange for ambulances or other necessary facilities on-site.
Volunteers were controlling the crowd
The responsibility of managing the crowed was taken on by volunteers of Baba. They tried to stop devotees from rushing after Bhole Baba for his blessings, which led to the stampede. Even though local administration had granted permission for the event, no proper arrangements were made for crowd control. There were no dedicated entry and exit gates, nor were there barricades to split the crowds into separate lines, which could have prevented the stampede.
Bhole Baba missing since the incident
Bhole Baba's whereabouts have been unknown since the incident. Police have searched his ashram in Mainpuri called Ram Kutir Charitable Trust but have not found him. Police are actively searching for him. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government stated that most of the 116 casualties in the 'Satsang' stampede in Hathras have been identified, and efforts are underway to identify the remaining bodies. Postmortem procedures for identified victims are being completed, and their bodies are being handed over to their relatives.
