Over 100 killed in stampede at religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh, India. Cause of crush under investigation.
In a devastating turn of events, a religious gathering in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh ended in tragedy as a stampede claimed the lives of at least 116 people. The incident took place on Tuesday during a prayer meeting, known as a satsang, in the village of Mughal Garhi within the Hathras district, situated approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) southeast of New Delhi.
Details of the Incident
Local police reported that the death toll stands at 116, but the number could increase as more information becomes available. Inspector General Shalabh Mathur from the Ambala Range district confirmed that 27 of the deceased were transported to the Etah district mortuary, while the remaining bodies are in Hathras.
Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene as people began to fall on top of each other during the satsang. Shakuntala Devi, a survivor, recounted the horror to the Press Trust of India: "People started falling one upon another, one upon another. Those who were crushed died. People there pulled them out."
Response and Investigation
Medical teams are working tirelessly to provide care for the injured, and post-mortem examinations are being conducted at various locations. Inspector General Mathur announced that a police report would be filed against the event organizers for allegedly exceeding the permitted attendance capacity. A high-level inquiry has been launched to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Aligarh Commissioner Chaitra V confirmed the number of fatalities and reported injuries, stating that initial investigations are ongoing and appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings.
Government Reaction
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences in a speech to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's bicameral parliament. Modi assured that the government is actively engaged in relief and rescue efforts and is coordinating with state authorities to support the victims.
District Magistrate Ashish Kumar of Hathras provided additional details, explaining that the stampede occurred as attendees were leaving the event, which was held to honor the Hindu deity Shiva. He noted that while the police had permitted the private event, internal arrangements were managed by the organizers. A high-level committee has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Historical Context
This tragedy echoes a similar incident in January 2022, when a stampede at one of India's holiest shrines in Jammu resulted in at least a dozen fatalities. Such occurrences highlight the need for stringent crowd control measures at large public gatherings to prevent future disasters.
The nation mourns the loss of lives and the suffering of the victims' families, as the investigation seeks to bring clarity and accountability to this tragic event.
Source: CNN
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