Massive Crowd Gathers for Satsang Led by Self-Styled Godman
On July 2, 2024, a religious gathering (Satsang) in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, turned into a scene of utter chaos and heartbreak. The event, led by Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, attracted an estimated crowd of over 2.5 lakh people, significantly exceeding the permissible limit. This massive gathering set the stage for a horrific incident.
Stampede Erupts During Bhole Baba’s Departure
As Bhole Baba left the venue, his followers surged forward in a desperate attempt to collect dust stirred up by his car. This movement, coupled with reports of pushing by Bhole Baba’s security personnel, triggered a stampede. Panic spread rapidly as people scrambled for safety, resulting in a crushing crowd situation.
Devastating Loss of Life and Injuries
The consequences of the stampede were devastating. Over 121 people, mostly women and children, lost their lives in the incident. Many more were injured, some critically. The atmosphere in Hathras turned grim as families mourned their loved ones and grappled with the sudden loss.
Investigation Underway
The Hathras stampede has sparked outrage and demands for justice. The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, and some organizers of the satsang have been arrested. Bhole Baba himself remains missing, although he has released a statement promising cooperation with the investigation.
Lingering questions
The Hathras stampede raises serious concerns about the safety of large religious gatherings. Questions remain regarding the lack of crowd control measures, the responsibility of the organizers, and the role of Bhole Baba’s security personnel in triggering the stampede.
As investigations progress, these questions will hopefully be answered, and steps will be taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
