In Hathras, a devastating stampede occurred at a private religious gathering, resulting in significant loss of life. According to various media sources, the death toll has exceeded 100, with some reporting as many as 120 fatalities. It is feared that the number of deaths may continue to rise as numerous individuals are still critically injured and receiving treatment in hospitals. This tragic event happened during a Satsang dedicated to Sant Bhole Baba, and notably, the majority of the victims were women.

The stampede transpired amidst a large 'satsang' (prayer meeting) attended by thousands. At the Community Health Centre, distressing scenes unfolded as numerous bodies were transported in by buses and tempos, witnessed by grieving family members.

Responding to the tragedy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath acknowledged the severity of the situation and has initiated an inquiry through a committee formed as per his directives. Echoing the sentiments of the state's leadership, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. They have also conveyed their hopes for a quick recovery for those injured. Reinforcing their commitment, PM Modi mentioned that the central government is providing all necessary assistance to the state authorities in Uttar Pradesh.

Hathras District Magistrate Ashish Kumar reported that initial figures from the community health center indicated a death toll ranging from 50-60 individuals. Furthermore, authorities in Etah district confirmed an additional 27 fatalities.

As the day progressed, Inspector General (Aligarh Range) Shalabh Mathur updated the casualty numbers, confirming that the total had risen to 116. He provided details about the incident: "The stampede broke out in Phulrai village within the Sikandra Rao police station limits in Hathras. This was a private event and permission had been given by the sub-divisional magistrate. Security arrangements were made by the administration but the other arrangements were supposed to be made by the organisers," Mr Kumar explained.

Adding to the details, Chief Medical Officer of Etah, Dr. Umesh Kumar Tripathi, stated, "We have received 27 bodies, of which 25 are female and two are male. Some injured have also been taken to hospitals. We have heard that there was a stampede during a 'satsang'." Senior Superintendent of Police in Etah, Rajesh Kumar, also noted that among those deceased were three children, highlighting the tragic scope of the event.

IG Shalabh Mathur provided an update on the situation, confirming, "So far, 166 deaths have been confirmed. 27 bodies are in the Etah mortuary and the rest are in Hathras. They have been sent for post-mortem to different places. We are working hard to ensure that the injured get the best possible treatment at the earliest. A case is being registered and the names of the people who took permission for the event will be added. Prima facie, it appears that there were more people than were allowed."

Further insight into the event came from a woman who attended the 'satsang'. She noted that the gathering was organized in honor of a local guru, Bhole Baba aka Narayan Saakar Hari, and described the chaotic scenes as the crowd tried to leave. According to her, the stampede ensued when devotees were restrained from exiting the venue until the self-styled guru's car had departed, leading to a significant congestion in a limited space.

In response to the tragedy, authorities have announced financial aid for those affected. "A compensation of ₹ 2 lakh each has been announced for the families of the dead and ₹ 50,000 for the injured," officials stated, adding that legal action is being initiated against the event organizers.

In response to the tragic incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to X to express his commitment to addressing the crisis. He detailed that instructions have been issued to officials to escalate relief and rescue operations and ensure the injured receive prompt and adequate medical care. In his post, he mentioned that two state ministers, Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary and Sandeep Singh, have been dispatched to the affected village, along with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, to oversee the operations.

Further addressing the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Adityanath extended his condolences to the bereaved families and announced the formation of a committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede. He stated that this committee would be led by the Additional Director General of Police, Agra, and the Aligarh Commissioner, ensuring a comprehensive review and accountability for the tragic event.

President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her profound sorrow over the incident through a post on X. She described the news as "heart-rending" and offered her deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy. Her message highlighted the emotional impact of the loss of many devotees, including women and children, and she voiced prayers for the swift recovery of the injured, reflecting a national mourning and concern over the incident.