Rows of Bodies at a Religious Festival in India: How Did So Many People Die?
The death toll from a stampede at a religious event in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, India, has risen to at least 107, with most of the victims being women. Questions are being raised about how so many people died at once.
According to Indian media reports, the incident occurred on Tuesday (July 2) while a guru was addressing devotees at the event in Hathras district.
Hindustan Times reported that a 'satsang' (prayer meeting) was organized in Mughalagadhi village, Hathras. Thousands of people had gathered for the satsang conducted by a guru named Narayan Shankar Hari.
A local police officer stated that the satsang was organized in a very small area, causing a 'suffocating' situation due to the large crowd in such a confined space. Initial assumptions suggest that the attendees experienced discomfort due to the inability to breathe, which led to panic and a subsequent stampede as people tried to leave the venue in a hurry.
The police further mentioned that the weather was extremely hot and humid during the event. However, it remains unclear how the situation spiraled out of control, resulting in the stampede.
Eyewitnesses reported that there was intense excitement surrounding the satsang, and many people had gathered. Suddenly, chaos ensued. Additionally, the road leading to the meeting place had been closed since Monday (July 1) night.
When the road was reopened on Tuesday, people rushed to exit, causing the accident. Most of the deceased are women, with several children also reportedly among the dead.
Local residents took the injured to hospitals, but there have been allegations of negligence in medical treatment.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has inquired about the incident and has formed an investigation committee to look into it.
India's President Droupadi Murmu has expressed sorrow over the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have extended their condolences to the families of the victims. The state government has announced compensation of 200,000 rupees for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for the injured
