'We did not find Bhole Baba ji ...': Deputy SP on Hathras stampede

NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh police conducted a search at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri district for 'Bhole Baba,' who held a Satsang in Hathras where a stampede occurred, claiming 116 lives.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar confirmed that Baba Ji was not found on the campus.
An investigation and identification process continues for victims, with 23 bodies brought to Aligarh and three injured, including one critically, receiving treatment.
"We did not find Baba Ji inside the campus...He is not here..." said deputy SP Sunil Kumar.
Aligarh DM Vishak G Iyer reported the updated statistics, mentioning the transfer of bodies and medical status of the injured.
"A total of 23 bodies have been brought to Aligarh...Three injured people from the Hathras incident are getting treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College. Out of them, two are in stable condition whereas one is in critical condition. We have talked to the hospital administration and the procedure to take the (critical) patient to the ICU is underway..."
Hathras chief medical officer (CMO) Dr. Manjeet Singh explained the ongoing efforts to identify the deceased. "A total of 116 people have died so far...32 bodies were brought here and 19 of them have been identified. We are identifying the rest of them..."
Congress MP KL Sharma urged the government to ensure better safety at public events, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for adequate compensation for victims' families.
"I want to appeal to the state government that if such events are organised, they should also take care of the preparation and ensure proper safety of the people. I got to know that several women have lost their lives. The compensation amount should have been more, keeping the condition of the family in mind..."
Congress MP Imran Masood highlighted ongoing relief efforts and the seriousness of the situation. "There are 32 bodies here and nine injured people, including one female police officer. A lot of them are yet to be identified...Right now, everyone is focused on providing relief to those who have suffered..."
Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary offered his condolences and indicated the state's commitment to reviewing the incident. "It is extremely unfortunate. The government is reviewing it. It is unfortunate that so many people lost their lives..."
An eyewitness from the stampede, Shakuntala Devi, provided a first-hand account of the chaotic scene post-Satsang. "There was a Satsang of Bhole Baba going on. Right after the Satsang finished, several people started coming out from there. A stampede took place as the road was uneven and people fell on each other..."
The arrests, search operations, and medical updates reflect the intense ongoing investigation and response to this devastating incident. Authorities are striving to bring order and relief to those affected, directing resources to identify victims and provide necessary medical care.