Porni Banerjee | ০৩ জুলাই ২০২৪ ১৩ : ০০

As death toll from the stampede at the religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras area continues to rise, a total of 121 people were found dead on Tuesday and rescue efforts are ongoing. Meanwhile, the religious preacher is on the run.

The victims were part of the huge crowd who gathered near Phulrai village in the Sikandrarau area for the ‘satsang’ held by the Godman Bhole Baba.

As the event was concluded, many devotees rushed to the Godman to touch his feet. Upon their return, people slipped and fell on one another, causing an uncontrolled ruckus with water overflowing from a nearby drain.

The state’s Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said that overcrowding was the reason behind the deaths from stampede. As per an official report, at least 2.5 people had turned up for the event.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site yesterday and interacted with the injured people. “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,” Adityanath said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also expressed grief over the tragic incident announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. 

The government has also released a few helpline numbers for those enquiring about their loved ones.
Agra Zone Control - 7839866849
Aligarh Range Control - 7839855724
Agra Range Control - 7839855724
Hathras Control - 9454417377
Etah Control - 9454417438
Aligarh Control - 7007459568