EXPLAINER: The Indian Stampede and all you need to know
More than 100 people, mostly women died during a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, India after a massive stampede. 28 more have been injured.
The event held on July 2, 2024, was reportedly organised by a Hindu religious leader, known by many names including Suraj Pal, Narayan Sarkar Hari, and Bhole Baba. The religious leader has since been on the run, according to Uttar Pradesh Police.
What happened?
The incident occurred in Rati Bharpur village of the Hathras District after a large crowd of Bhole Baba followers gathered for a Satsanga, a gathering where people gather to perform spiritual and devotional activities including yoga. Around 250,000 people attended the event, a number that was more than the venue's capacity. There are two narratives from authorities so far. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath said that the stampede started after a crowd of devotees were stopped after trying to approach the religious leader.
Another report by district administrator Ashish Kumar said that the incident happened while people were trying to escape the heat inside the makeshift tent where the event was held.
The stampede, according to local reports intensified as a result of insufficient crowd control mechanisms in place.
How many people were affected?
The stampede resulted in the death of at least 121 people, with many others injured. Most of the victims were women and children. The event organisers had permission for only 80,000 attendees, but the actual crowd far exceeded this number. Videos on social media showed many bodies lying outside the local hospital.
What the police are saying?
A First Information Report submitted by the police does not name the religious leader, Bhole Baba as one of the accused persons. "As the preacher left in his car, many rushed to collect dust rising from the path of the vehicle," a religious practice among some Hindus. "Some of those bent over got crushed by the large crowd exiting the venue," parts of the FIR said.
The complaint also added that event organisers tried to destroy evidence of the stampede by throwing victims' clothes and footwear into neighbouring fields.
Meanwhile, money equivalent of $2,500 has been announced as compensation for the deceased persons’ families.
The FIR has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 126 (2) (wrongful restraint), 223 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by the public servant), 238 (causing disappearance of evidence).
What is happening after?
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has promised strict action against those responsible and initiated a high-level investigation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also offered full central assistance and expressed condolences.
Others including the National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma criticised the organisers and called for legal action against Bhole Baba, who fled the scene.
On Social Media Platform X, political leaders and the public expressed condolences and demanded accountability. International leaders Russia’s President Vladimir Putin also expressed their sorrow over the incident.
Main organiser surrenders to police
The main organiser of the event turned himself in to the police on July 5. Devprakash Madhukar was a key suspect and was facing serious charges, including attempted culpable homicide. Earlier, the police had launched a search for him and offered a reward of 100,000 rupees (about $1,200) for any information that could lead to his arrest.
Who is Bhole Baba
Bhole Baba is a former UP police staffer who worked with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) for 18 years and took voluntary retirement in 1990, when he was posted in Etah, for religious reasons. The 65-year-old is known for his millions of followers from diverse backgrounds including the poor and influential for the past two decades.
