Hathras Stampede highlights: Judicial inquiry ordered in Hathras stampede, several angles need to be probed, says UP CM

On the Hathras stampede incident, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says "Some people tend to politicise such sad and painful incidents. These people have the nature of 'chori bhi aur seenazori bhi'. Everyone knows with whom the gentleman's (preacher) photos are and with whom he has political connections. You must have seen that during the rallies in the past days, where was the stampede and who was behind it? It is necessary for us to know about it. Those who play with the lives of innocent people will be held accountable for this..."

Russia President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday sent a condolence message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the tragic stampede in Hathras which claimed 121 lives.

A day after the stampede incident in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras claimed the lives of 121 people, the sub divisional magistrate (SDM) of the Sikandra Rao division of the district submitted a prime facie report to the district magistrate of Hathras on Wednesday. The report suggests that the stampede occurred as devotees rushed to seek blessing from 'Bhole Baba', the preacher at the religious congregation Satsang, as he was about to leave the venue after the prayer.

On the Hathras stampede incident, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says "I visited the site of the incident to see the initial arrangements of the causes of the accident and our 3 ministers were camping there since yesterday. The Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police are also camping here since yesterday. Senior officers of the police and administration are already there. Further action is also being taken in the direction of fixing the accountability of those responsible for this entire incident, in which their proceedings will now begin in different districts and after the initial investigation, we will work to take further action forward..."

"We have formed an SIT, led by ADG Agra. It has submitted a preliminary report. They have been told to investigate this deeply. There are several angles that need to be investigated...State Government has decided to have a judicial inquiry as well which will be led by a retired High Court judge. Retired senior officials of the Administration and Police will also be a part of it." says Uttar Pradesh Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says "Our priority was to focus on the rescue and operation. A total of 121 devotees have lost their lives. They were from UP, Haryana, MP and Rajasthan. Out of the 121 deceased, 6 were from other states. 31 injured people are undergoing treatment and almost everyone is out of danger. I had a conversation with several eyewitnesses and they informed me that the incident took place after the program was over when the preacher of the Satsang was coming down from the stage, suddenly several women started going towards him to touch him and when the 'sevadars' stopped them, due to which this accident happened. The administration was not allowed by the 'sevadars' to enter inside."

UP government has ordered judicial inquiry into the Hathras incident. Retired judge will head the probe panel of inquiry into the Hathras incident.

A large number of police personnel has been deployed outside the ashram of a religious preacher a day a stampede at his 'Satsang' in Hathras district kileld 121 people and injured 31, officials said Wednesday. However, the officials remained tight-lipped when asked if Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, was inside the ashram. But, some police sources said he indeed was inside.

Police Personnel pooled from many police stations have been deployed outside the ashram at Bicchwan here and no one, including the media, is allowed in.

According to the latest list released by the Relief Commissioner's Office in Lucknow, 121 persons have died and 31 are injured in the incident in Hathras.

Circle Officer Sunil Kumar Singh said security has been tightened after the stampede incident.

A day after the tragic stampede incident in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras claimed the lives of 121 people, the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of the Sikandra Rao division of the district submitted a prime facie report to the District Magistrate of Hathras on Wednesday.

The prime facie report suggests that the stampede occurred as devotees rushed to seek blessing from 'Bhole Baba', the preacher at the religious congregation Satsang, as he was about to leave the venue after the prayer.

The preacher 'Bhole Baba' identified as Suraj Pal is also known by the names of Narayan Sakar Hari and Jagat Guru Vishwahari.

As per prima facie report, the devotees rushed to seek blessings and collect soil from around the preacher's feet, were stopped by the security personnel of 'Bhole Baba'. Later, they started pushing one another due to which several people fell to the ground, leading to chaos at the site.

Some people ran towards the adjoining field filled with mud, due to which they fell down and were crushed by other devotees, the report stated.

Satyendra Yadav was walking towards his vehicle after the 'satsang' when his wife called -- their three-year-old son Chhota had died in the stampede that had broken out moments earlier. The 29-year-old driver from Delhi had reached here with his family, including his mother and two sisters-in-law. Just before the programme ended, Yadav, along with his mother and elder son, Mayank (4), started walking towards his vehicle, a three-wheeler loader.

"As we reached my vehicle, I got a call from my wife...she said, 'Pilua thaane aa jaao, Chhota khatam ho gayaa hai' (Come to the Pilua police station, Chhota is no more)," Yadav told PTI.

The three-year-old son of Yadav, Rovin, was affectionately called as Chhota by his family. He was among the 121 people, who died in the stampede here on Tuesday.

On Hathras stampede accident, Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi says, "It is an unfortunate incident. The PM expressed condolence yesterday during his speech. All possible help would be provided by the central and the state government. The reasons for the accident would be inquired. Action would be taken against those who are at fault and appropriate compensation would also be provided (to the victims)."

"It is extremely painful and tragic. I extend my condolences to the families of deceased. The organisers of this event and the administration who sanctioned the permit to hold this event should be investigated. Human lives are priceless and this matter should be taken very seriously," says AAP leader Raghav Chadha

The railways have made special arrangements for around 3,000 people who are seeking to return home after attending a religious congregation in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district where a stampede left 121 dead. Keeping in mind the safety of the crowd, a speed restriction of 15 kmph has been imposed on all trains passing through the Sikandar Rau station, the railway ministry said.

Besides, many trains such as Mathura-Tanakpur Fair Special, Agra Fort-Kasganj Passenger Special and Bandra Terminus Antyodaya Express among others have been given extra stoppage at the Sikandar Rau station as well as special stoppage at other stations along the train route for the convenience of passengers.

"Senior Divisional Commercial Manager and Senior Divisional Security Commissioner are present at the site along with the other officers of the division," an official from the Railway Board said.

"A medical team under the supervision of Dr Saurabh Dandiyal has been set up at the site for such passengers who need first-aid treatment or any sort of medical intervention," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday night.

"It is a very sad incident. The way the government has failed, the way administration had not made adequate arrangements after giving the permission. If the congregation is of 50,000 persons, at least 20 ambulances should have been there. They just gave the permission, so many people died. It is sad, we express our condolences. The government should take strict action," says Samajwadi Party MP Neeraj Maurya on Hathras tragedy.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath leaves from Hathras government hospital after meeting and inquiring about the health of the persons injured in the stampede incident.

Congress leader & Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari says, "I pay homage to the people who lost their lives in the Hathras incident, I have my sympathy with the families affected. A big question exists, the permission for 80,000 people to gather, sought and permitted. Were there enough facilities available for them to sit and exit? Many of them were the bread earners of their families and at least Rs 25 lakhs should be provided to each one of them... The Union Home Minister should state the parliament regarding this and a judicial inquiry should be set up."

Rajya Sabha observes silence to mourn the loss of lives in Hathras Stampede accident. 121 people lost their lives and 28 people were injured in the incident.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath reached the Circuit House and took stock of the situation. CM Yogi Adityanath arrives in Hathras, to meet those injured in the stampede incident. 121 people lost their lives and 28 people were injured in the incident.

On Hathras stampede, Samajwadi Party chief & MP Akhilesh Yadav says, "It is a very painful incident. We are saddened by this incident. The Uttar Pradesh government and administration are fully responsible for this incident. The loss of lives in this incident is due to the negligence of the government. Some injured persons died due to lack of proper treatment. The BJP govt is responsible for this incident...This is not the first incident where negligence was seen. SOPs for large gatherings should be made to ensure that such incidents do not occur again"

The chief minister, according to official sources, is likely to visit the site of the incident and also meet the injured persons in hospitals.

He will also hold a meeting of top officials in the district to assess the situation and also the reasons behind it.

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking direction to appoint a five-member expert committee under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge to enquire into the Hathras stampede incident

It further seeks direction to the committee to suggest and frame guidelines and safety measures to avoid such incidents in public gatherings.

The plea filed by a lawyer also seeks direction to the State of Uttar Pradesh to submit a status report before the apex court in Hathras stampede incident and initiate legal action against the persons, authorities and officials for their negligent conduct.

"It is an extremely saddening and unfortunate incident. This could have been avoided if the arrangements were right. I extend my condolences to the deceased. I want to request the Home Minister to discuss this incident in both houses (of Parliament). I would also request a judicial investigation in the matter. To avoid such incidents in the future, suggestions should be taken into account," says Congress MP Pramod Tiwari.

At least 116 people, mostly women and children, died and over 300 were left injured in a major stampede during a religious congregation (satsang) in Hathras district of UP on Tuesday. The number of fatalities was confirmed by UP chief secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and director general of police Prashant Kumar who reached the site late in the evening to take stock of the situation.

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday lodged an FIR against the organisers of the religious congregation in Hathras where 121 people died in a stampede, accusing them of hiding evidence and flouting conditions with 2.5 lakh people gathering for the event in which only 80,000 were permitted. However, the congregation or 'satsang' conductor Jagat Guru Saakar Vishwahari has not been named in the FIR though his name is in the complaint.

The FIR alleged that the organisers hid the actual number of devotees coming to the 'satsang' while seeking permission, did not cooperate in traffic management and hid evidence after the stampede, which broke out after people gathered there stopped to collect mud from the way the baba's vehicle was passing.

The FIR apparently gave a clean chit to the police and administration, saying they did whatever possible from the available resources.

On Hathras stampede, UP Minister Sandeep Singh says, "Till now 121 people have died in the incident...The injured are being treated. The CM will visit Hathras to meet the injured persons and their families. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the incident. This is not a small incident."

"I will not be able to tell what we have found. There are no specific things to collect from here, it is only the belongings of the devotees such as shoes and sheets used for sitting," says a member of the forensic unit who examined the Hathras accident spot.

"I extend my condolences to the families of those killed in the stampede. I pray to God that their families are bestowed with the strength to bear this immense pain. An investigation should be held to find out the previous records of this 'baba'. The CM is visiting Hathras today... I would request him to compensate the families of the deceased," says AAP leader Sanjay Singh

More than 100 people were killed and several others were injured in a stampede at a religious congregation in a village in Hathras district on Tuesday. This tragic incident is not an isolated event, as stampedes at religious gatherings have caused numerous deaths in India over the years.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to visit Hathras on Wednesday where a stampede at a religious congregation killed 116 people, a senior government official said. A team consisting of ADG Agra and Aligarh Divisional Commissioner has been constituted to inquire into the cause of the incident. The report is to be submitted within 24 hours, the government said in a statement on Tuesday, following the tragic incident.

Speaking to reporters at his residence on Tuesday, Adityanath said, "Our government will get to the bottom of this incident and give appropriate punishment to the conspirators and those responsible. The state government is investigating this entire incident. We will see whether it is an accident or a conspiracy."

He also slammed the political parties doing politics over the tragic incident and said, "Doing politics on such an incident is extremely unfortunate and condemnable. This is the time to heal the wounds of the victims, to sympathise with the victims. The government is sensitive in this matter and no culprit will be spared."

Most of the 116 people who died in a stampede during a 'satsang' organised in Sikandra Rao area of the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday have been identified, the Uttar Pradesh government said. Devotees had come to the 'satsang' from various districts of Uttar Pradesh as well as neighbouring states.

Talking to PTI, Aligarh Zone Inspector General of Police (IG) Shalabh Mathur said 116 have died in the stampede incident in Hathras.

Etah and Hathras are adjacent districts and people from Etah had also come to attend the 'satsang'.

Efforts are being made to identify the remaining bodies, officials said.

Earlier, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, while giving details of the casualties to journalists, said of the 116 victims, seven were children, one man and the remaining were women.

On Hathras stampede, city ASP Amrit Jain said, "We received 38 bodies from Hathras district where the incident took place yesterday. We have successfully identified 36 of them. After completing the legal formalities - panchayat nama and post-mortem, we have sent those 36 bodies to their destinations along with their families. 2 bodies remain unidentified. For their identification, we have released their photographs to all the nearby districts and the entire state through the control room."

Advocate Gaurav Dwivedi files a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Allahabad high court demanding a CBI inquiry into the Hathras Stampede accident

Death toll in Hathras incident rises to 121 and 28 injured, as per the office of the relief commissioner.

"As soon as the 'satsang' concluded, people started to rush outside. There was a huge crowd. I have been searching for my 16-year-old granddaughter from one hospital to another. People were responsible for the stampede, they started to push each other while trying to leave," says Urmila Devi.

FIR registered under sections 105, 110, 126(2), 223 and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 against one Devprakash Madhukar referred to as 'Mukhya Sewadar' and other organisers of the religious event where the stampede occurred

"CM Yogi Adityanath directed me to visit Hathras in the wake of the tragic incident. I visited the site of the incident, met the injured in Aligarh and Hathras. Our immediate challenge is to provide treatment to those injured, which is being done. Also, we will be ensuring that the bodies are handed over to affected families with full respect. 20 bodies are yet to be identified; we are making efforts to identify them. The state government and the Centre have announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured," says Uttar Pradesh social welfare minister Asim Arun

BJP MLA Asim Arun interacted with the victims and eyewitnesses of the Hathras stampede on Wednesday. He said that a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of DG Zone Agra and a report will be submitted to the chief minister.

"I have spoken with injured victims and eyewitnesses. After the event was over the chief spokesperson (Baba Ji) was leaving and people rushed to seek his blessings. Following this, a few people fell off and other people fell over them. Many started running and a stampede occurred as the path was very narrow. 116 people have died and 22 have been hospitalised. 20 bodies have been unidentified. It is difficult to show bodies and it is difficult for the person also who gets to see the bodies," said Arun Asim.

"FIR has been launched into the same. An investigation team has launched a probe into the matter. Whoever is at fault will be punished...A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of DG Zone Agra and a report will be submitted to the Chief Minister. It has been assigned the role of seeing if different agencies have done their work properly or not," he added.

The devotional event (satsang) at Hathras in which over 100 people lost their lives on Tuesday was being conducted by preacher ‘Sakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba’, formerly known as Surajpal Singh, a former UP Police constable who left service prematurely to become a religious preacher.

At least 116 people, mostly women and children, died and over 300 were left injured in a major stampede during a religious congregation (satsang) in Hathras district of UP on Tuesday. The number of fatalities was confirmed by UP chief secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and director general of police (DGP) Prashant Kumar who reached the site late in the evening to take stock of the situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound sorrow over the stampede in Hathras and announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for the next of kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Amid his reply to a two-day debate on the motion of thanks on the President’s address to both Houses of Parliament, Modi condoled the death.

BJP MLA Asim Arun said, "I have spoken to the injured in the incident...There was an incident of stampede in which, as per the information received so far, 116 people have died and 22 people are being treated in various hospitals in Aligarh and Hathras. There are 20 bodies which we are trying to identify...An FIR has been registered...Whoever is at fault will be punished...A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of DG Zone Agra and a report will be submitted to the Chief Minister. The job will be to see whether the various agencies have done their work or not..."

Hathras chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Manjeet Singh said, "32 bodies were brought here and 19 of them have been identified. We are identifying the rest of them. Bodies have been sent to Agra, Etah, Kasganj and Aligarh for the post-mortem."