In Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, a serene spiritual gathering turned tragic when a stampede erupted during a satsang, leading to the deaths of 50 to 60 devotees. Outside the hospital, a somber assembly of the departed lay in wait. The calamity wounded many, including women and children. The Chief Minister's Office, aware of the catastrophe, issued instructions for quick medical aid to the injured and accelerated relief operations. A directive was also made for an investigation into the causes of the incident, led by the ADG Agra and the Commissioner Aligarh. Following the CM's orders, two senior ministers and the DGP set out to the scene.
According to District Magistrate Ashish Kumar, the stampede during the private religious function, authorized by the SDM, claimed close to 50-60 lives. The toll is feared to rise.
'25 women and 2 men among the deceased'
SSP of Etah, Rajesh Kumar Singh reported that at a religious ceremony in Mugalgarhi village of Hathras, chaos ensued causing multiple deaths. Etah Hospital received many victims' bodies including women and children; no injuries reported. Identity verification of the deceased is ongoing, and an investigative team led by ADG Agra and the Aligarh Commissioner has been formed.
The CMO of Etah's Medical College shared that a satsang or festival was underway near Sikandrarau when panic struck. Many deaths have been confirmed, with the number expected to rise as more injured arrive at the hospital.
CM orders investigation into the incident
The Chief Minister's Office took cognizance of the event, instructing district officials to ensure immediate hospital transport and proper care for the injured and accelerate relief efforts. Orders for an inquiry into the incident's causes, led by ADG Agra and the Aligarh Commissioner, were issued.
Two government ministers head to the site
Following the CM's guidelines, senior ministers Lakshmi Narayan, Sandeep Singh, the Chief Secretary, and the DGP proceeded to the incident location.
Source: aajtak
Stampede erupts post-satsang: Eyewitness account
An afflicted woman explained that they had come for darshan (auspicious sight). It was very crowded. My child and I were caught underfoot in the stampede. A young woman, injured along with her mother, recounted that chaos broke out after the satsang concluded. They were exiting via a field when the crowd suddenly surged, causing many to fall and be trampled. An accompanying person succumbed to the incident.
