A devastating stampede during a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district has claimed the lives of at least 107 people, predominantly women. The incident unfolded during a ‘Satsang’ gathering in Rati Bhanpur village, Sikandra Rau area, Hathras, where a religious preacher addressed a large crowd under a specially erected tent.
Police reports suggest that the stampede occurred due to suffocation, exacerbated by the sweltering heat and humidity. As discomfort grew among attendees, panic ensued, leading to a chaotic rush. “It was a satsang meeting of Bhole Baba, a religious preacher. A temporary permission was granted for gathering at the spot on the border of Etah and Hathras district on Tuesday afternoon,” said Inspector General Shalabh Mathur of Aligarh Range.
Among the victims identified are Ganga Devi (70) from Hathras, Priyanka (20) from Kasganj, Jasoda (70) from Mathura, and Saroj Lata (60) from Etah. Tragically, two children, Kavya (4) and Ayush (8) from Shahjahnpur, also lost their lives in the stampede.
Survivors recounted harrowing scenes as the event concluded, with attendees rushing to leave the venue. “There was a huge crowd gathered of followers at the spot. There was no way out, and everybody fell on each other, and a stampede took place. When I tried to move out, there were motorcycles parked outside, which blocked my way. Many fainted while others died,” described a victim receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
Authorities, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressed profound grief over the incident. He has directed swift rescue and relief efforts in Hathras district, ordering a thorough investigation led by ADG Agra and Commissioner Aligarh to determine the causes of this tragic stampede.