Autopsies conducted at the S N Medical College and Hospital in Agra have shed light on the tragic aftermath of the Hathras stampede, revealing that blood accumulation in the thoracic cavity, asphyxia, and rib injuries were among the leading causes of death for the victims. The stampede occurred during a ‘Satsang’ organized by religious preacher Suraj Pal, known as Bhole Baba, near GT Road in the Phulrai Mugalgarhi village of Hathras district on July 2, claiming 121 lives.
According to Chief Medical Officer Arun Srivastava, most of the deceased succumbed to chest injuries and asphyxiation. The victims hailed from various districts including Mathura, Agra, Pilibhit, Kasganj, and Aligarh, and their bodies were brought to the hospital in Agra for post-mortem examination.
Eyewitness accounts described chaotic scenes following the conclusion of the religious congregation, as devotees rushed towards Bhole Baba’s vehicle for blessings and charan dhul (dust of his feet). Gopal Kumar, an eyewitness, recounted how the rush towards the highway led to a tragic chain of events, with many falling and being trampled upon as others surged forward.
In response to the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry, emphasizing that it will also probe the possibility of any conspiracy behind the stampede. The police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the event organizers, alleging overcrowding far beyond the permitted capacity of 80,000, with an estimated 2.5 lakh people present at the venue.
The Hathras stampede has sparked widespread grief and calls for accountability, with authorities focusing on understanding the sequence of events that led to the devastating loss of lives. Investigations are ongoing to determine culpability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.