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Overcrowding at Hindu Gathering in Hathras Led to Stampede, Killing 116; Crowd Tripled Permitted Capacity

A stampede at a Hindu religious event in Uttar Pradesh, India, killed 116 people and injured many more. Overcrowding was a factor, with 250,000 attendees surpassing the 80,000 permitted capacity.

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Nitish Verma
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In a shocking turn of events, a massive stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state has claimed the lives of 116 people, with many more injured. The tragedy occurred when a crowd of devotees surged towards the stage to touch the preacher, Bhole Baba, after the event, leading to a chaotic and deadly scene.

According to a police document , the event was initially permitted for 80,000 attendees, but a staggering 250,000 people showed up, more than triple the authorized capacity. The police first information report revealed that the stampede took place when devotees started pushing towards the stage after the event to touch the preacher, who was coming down from the stage.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with devotees from across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states having gathered for the religious gathering. The widespread impact of the incident is evident, with many families left to mourn the loss of their loved ones.

Why it Matters : This tragic incident highlights the importance of crowd management and safety protocols at large gatherings. The fact that the event was grossly overcrowded, with more than triple the permitted capacity, raises serious questions about the authorities' ability to manage such events. The incident also underscores the intense devotion and fervor of the followers, which can sometimes lead to unfortunate consequences.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people falling atop each other as they tried to leave the venue. The authorities have indicated that heat and suffocation inside the tent may have contributed to the stampede. The Uttar Pradesh police have launched an investigation into the incident and have arrested five people in connection with the tragedy.

The incident has sparked outrage and grief, with many calling for accountability and better safety measures at such events. Rajesh Kumar Jha, a member of parliament, termed the stampede a "failure" by the state and federal governments to manage large crowds, adding that "people will keep on dying" if authorities do not take safety protocols seriously enough .

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh to the kin of those who died in the incident and has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.

In the meantime, the people of Uttar Pradesh and beyond are left to mourn the loss of life and to reflect on the importance of safety and crowd management at large gatherings.

Key Takeaways : 

  • A massive stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh, India, has claimed the lives of 116 people, with many more injured.
  • The tragedy occurred due to overcrowding, with 250,000 attendees exceeding the permitted capacity of 80,000.
  • The incident highlights the importance of crowd management and safety protocols at large religious gatherings.
  • Authorities have announced ₹2 lakh compensation to the kin of those who died in the incident and have ordered a thorough investigation.
  • The incident has sparked outrage, with many questioning the accountability of authorities and the need for stricter safety measures.