Key Points:
- Hathras Stampede Tragedy: A stampede at a religious congregation in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the death of 121 people due to suffocation.
- Judicial Inquiry Ordered: UP CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge, along with an SIT probe.
- Government Response: District officials have been directed to ensure prompt medical care for the injured and expedite relief efforts.
- Cause of Stampede: Initial reports suggest the stampede occurred when devotees rushed to seek blessings from the preacher, ‘Bhole Baba,’ as he was leaving the venue.
- Condolences and Assistance: Russian President Putin, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, and others have expressed condolences and assured assistance.
- Criticism and Demands: Opposition leaders have criticized the government for inadequate arrangements and demanded a thorough investigation.
- Additional Measures: Trains have been arranged to help people return home, and a large number of police personnel have been deployed outside the preacher’s ashram.
Hathras Stampede: A Devastating Tragedy
The Incident
A devastating stampede at a religious congregation in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in the death of 121 people. The stampede occurred during a crowded gathering as devotees rushed to seek blessings from the preacher, ‘Bhole Baba.’ The chaos led to suffocation and a significant number of casualties.
Government Response and Investigation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolences and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. A judicial inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge has been ordered, along with the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident from various angles. The district officials have been instructed to prioritize medical care for the injured and expedite relief efforts.
Concerns and Criticisms
The tragedy has raised concerns about the lack of adequate arrangements and crowd management at such events. Opposition leaders have criticized the government for the incident and demanded a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and hold those responsible accountable.
Condolences and Assistance
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a condolence message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the tragic incident. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has also expressed condolences and assured all possible assistance from the central and state governments.
Additional Measures
The railways have arranged special trains to help people return home after attending the congregation. Additionally, a large number of police personnel have been deployed outside the preacher’s ashram in the wake of the stampede.
Moving Forward
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to learn from this tragedy and implement measures to ensure the safety and security of people attending such events in the future. The focus should be on accountability, prevention, and providing support to the affected families.
