Hathras Stampede: Death Toll Reaches 121, FIR Lodged Against Organizers, Godman Absconding

Hathras: The death toll in the deadly stampede at the ‘satsang’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras has risen to 121. The victims had gathered near Phulrai village in the Sikandrarau area for the ‘satsang’ by religious leader Bhole Baba.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the organisers of the Hathras ‘satsang’. It is alleged that Bhole Baba’s name is not mentioned in the FIR. The complaint mentions overcrowding at the venue, and security lapse on the part of the organizers.

An advocate, Gaurav Dwivedi has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Allahabad High Court demanding a CBI inquiry into the Hathras stampede.

The stampede took place at around 3.30 pm on Tuesday. It occurred when people rushed to touch the feet of the godman while he was leaving the place.

Application submitted by the event organisers put the number of attendees at 80,000. But reports say around 2.5 lakh people gathered for the event.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to visit Hathras on Wednesday. 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. Three ministers — Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Asim Arun and Sandeep Singh — were sent to the spot soon after the incident.