The number of fatalities from a crush at a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, has increased to 121. This tragic incident has become one of the deadliest of its kind in over a decade.
Incident Details
The disaster occurred during a satsang (a Hindu religious festival) in Hathras district on Tuesday. The venue was overcrowded, with attendance three times the permitted limit. Most of the victims were women.
Legal Actions
A case has been filed against the event organizers. The tragedy has ignited outrage across India, raising serious concerns about the safety measures and management of the event.
Event Overcrowding
The crush happened in Pulrai village, where a self-styled godman known as Bhole Baba was conducting the religious gathering. Despite official permission for 80,000 attendees, approximately 250,000 people crowded the event, according to the first information report (FIR) by the police.
Chaos and Devotion
Chaos erupted as the event concluded and the preacher prepared to leave in his car. Thousands of devotees surged towards his vehicle, attempting to collect dust from his path as an act of devotion. The resulting crowd surge led to several people, particularly those sitting or squatting, being crushed in the commotion.
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