In one of the worst disasters in recent years, 121 people—113 women, seven children, and a man—were slain in a stampede at a religious gathering here on Tuesday, when devotees smothered to death and bodies piled on top of each other. So far, officials have identified 72 of the 121 fatalities, with post-mortems taking place in Agra, Etah, Kasganj, and Aligarh. Investigation is going on to seek the specific reason for the stampede.
The dead were among thousands who had congregated near Phulrai hamlet in the Sikandrarau area for religious preacher Bhole Baba’s “satsang.” The stampede occurred at approximately 3.30 p.m., as Baba was departing the arena. Investigation is going on to find out the exact cause. Officials have suggested a variety of conditions, including excessive humidity and a crowd of followers anxious to touch Bhole Baba’s feet.
According to Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, the rush most likely began when devotees attempted to obtain blessings from Bhole Baba through the custom of collecting ‘pair ki dhool’ (dust off his feet). Sakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, formerly known as Saurabh Kumar, previously worked in the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Intelligence Department.
After 17 years of employment, he left his job to pursue a spiritual journey as a preacher. He is frequently seen delivering lessons in a white suit and tie. He organizes satsangs with his wife and devotees call him ‘Sakar Vishwa Hari Baba of Patiali’.
According to a devotee, Bhole Baba had no religious instructor, and shortly after his voluntary retirement from duty, he had a ‘vision of the divine,’ which inspired him toward spirituality. He holds satsangs every Tuesday and recently held one in Mainpuri district before Hathras.
The Prime Minister’s Office has declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each person who died in the stampede. The injured will receive Rs. 50,000. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made the same announcement.
In a post on X, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his sincere concern over the terrible tragedy. “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of life in a stampede in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the deceased families. He asked for prayers for the injured’s swift recovery on social media.