UP Hathras: Stampede incident at religious event claims lives of 116 people, cops search for 'baba' at center of satsang

In a tragic incident on Tuesday afternoon, at least 116 people, including 106 women and seven children, lost their lives in a stampede during a religious congregation in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh. The stampede unfolded shortly after religious preacher Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, also known as Suraj Pal, addressed his followers at a tent set up in Rati Bhanpur village within the Sikandra Rau area.

Senior police officials, along with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), swiftly arrived at the site to manage the aftermath. A forensic unit and a dog squad were deployed to gather evidence and ensure thorough investigation. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims.

Authorities have also initiated legal action against the organizers of the religious congregation, acknowledging that the event drew a crowd exceeding the venue's capacity. An officer on site noted, "Many people rushed to leave the venue while others sought blessings from the baba, leading to a chaotic situation."

Aligarh Range IG Shalabh Mathur told PTI that 116 people have died and several others were injured during a stampede at a religious gathering in a village in Hathras district on Tuesday. Senior Superintendent of Police, Etah, Rajesh Kumar Singh, told PTI that the incident took place at a 'satsang' in Pulrai village.

According to initial reports from the police, overcrowding and suffocation due to the small venue size contributed to the tragic event. As the ‘Satsang’ concluded, attendees began to exit, leading to chaos and panic among the massive gathering. A survivor recounted the harrowing experience, stating, "There was a huge crowd, no way out, and everyone fell on each other. Motorcycles parked outside blocked my way. Many fainted while others died."


Hathras DM Ashish Kumar said, District administration is investigating the matter. The injured are being taken to the hospital and people are still being recovered. A figure of nearly 50-60 deaths has been reported to me by the doctors. Permission for the event to be held was given by the SDM and it was a private event. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The primary focus of the administration is to provide all possible help to the injured and kin of the deceased."


Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath promptly responded to the incident, expressing condolences and announcing financial aid for the affected families. He declared, “The state government will thoroughly investigate whether this was an accident or a conspiracy. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible.” A high-level committee, led by the Additional Director General of Police, Agra, and the Aligarh Commissioner, has been formed to probe the circumstances leading to the stampede.

A compensation of ₹ 2 lakh each has been announced for the families of the dead and ₹ 50,000 for the injured.

"UP CM Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolences to the bereaved families of those who died in the accident in Hathras district. He has also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. He has directed the district administration officials to immediately take the injured to the hospital for their proper treatment and to speed up the relief work at the spot. He has given instructions to investigate the causes of the incident under the leadership of ADG Agra and Commissioner Aligarh," Office of UP CM Yogi Adityanath posted on X.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.


SSP Etah mentioned that a large crowd had assembled for the event. Sikandara Rao police station SHO Ashish Kumar noted that the stampede likely resulted from overcrowding.

The Hathras DM said that the district administration has setup two helpline numbers.

Also Read: UP Hathras stampede: Who is Naryan Hari aka ‘Bhole Baba’?

The Uttar Pradesh government has established two helpline numbers -- 05722227041 and 05722227042 -- to assist families affected by the tragedy. Efforts are underway to identify and support the families of the deceased, as well as those injured in the stampede.


(With inputs from agencies)