In the wake of a tumultuous gathering in Uttar Pradesh's Hathrub that resulted in 116 fatalities, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened with senior officials to decree that none guilty would escape punishment. It is anticipated that CM Yogi Adityanath will visit Hathras on Wednesday to meet with the aggrieved families and assess the situation firsthand.
Following the CM's directive, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and DGP Prashant Kumar reached the spot, leading a team formed by ADG Agra and Aligarh's Divisional Commissioner to investigate the causes. Reports must be submitted within 24 hours. CM Adityanath keeps in main contact with three ministers, the Chief Secretary, and the DGP, all of whom he has dispatched to the location. The Chief Minister has directed stern action against the perpetrators of the incident.
'The incident is profoundly sorrowful and heartrending,' stated CM Yogi Adityanath in a post-incident address. Local organizers had hosted a program in the name of Bhole Baba. The chaos ensued when the sermon givers descended the stage, prompting a surge of devotees who wished to touch them. To block them, stewards intervened, resulting in the unfortunate accident. We have instituted a team under the leadership of the ADG Agra for investigation and requested a detailed report. In the wake of the incident, the state's Chief Secretary and DGP are stationed on-site. Three state ministers - Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan, Sandeep Singh, Asim Arun - are present at the scene.'
Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Manoj Kumar Singh has reported that 'Following the CM's orders, we are here and he is closely monitoring the situation every minute. Our priority is to provide excellent care for the injured and to support the relatives of the deceased. The tragedy claimed 116 lives, including 7 children and one adult. Identities of 72 have been confirmed... The deceased will be granted a solace sum of 2 lakhs and the injured 50,000 rupees.'
A Tragedy of 116 Lives Lost
The number of casualties in the stampede during a religious gathering in Hathras's Sikandra Rao has reached 116. IG of Aligarh, Shalabh Mathur, confirmed the death toll and stated that an FIR is being filed. Organizers will be held accountable and additional cases may be registered. He also noted that preliminarily, it appears there was an excess of people present than permitted for the event.
