Live updates on UP’s Hathras stampede: Death toll rises to 116; police file complaint against ‘satsang’ organisers | News from India

Mass panic in Hathras, live satsang by Bhole Baba: The death toll in the stampede at a religious event in Hathras district has risen to 116, said Shalabh Mathur, Inspector General of Police for Aligarh Range. The Uttar Pradesh government said that more devotees were present at the ‘satsang’ than the number permitted by the administration. “The number of participants exceeded the maximum limit permitted by the administration at the venue, which led to a stampede during Bhole Baba’s satsang,” the state government said in a statement.

What happened? The incident took place in Phulrai village in Sikanda Rau tehsil on Tuesday, police officials confirmed. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Manoj Kumar Singh, who was at the spot on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, said the gathered people tried to touch the feet of preacher Bhole Baba. “I was told that people rushed to touch his feet and tried to take soil (as he walked on the path) – as Pratha (custom) – and there was a mass panic and people fell into a nearby drain,” he said.

What measures have been taken? Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a financial assistance of Rs 200,000 each to the family of the deceased. The chief minister also formed a team comprising the deputy director general of police and the Aligarh police superintendent to investigate the causes of the tragedy. The team has been directed to submit its report within 24 hours. Moreover, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Singh said that a complaint would be filed against Baba Bhole, who was conducting the satsang, and strict action would be taken against those responsible. In view of the accident, the Hathras district administration has also launched helpline numbers – 05722227041 and 05722227042 – for the public.