Overcrowding Blamed for Deadly Crush in India as Death Toll Surpasses 120

A deadly stampede at a Hindu religious congregation in Uttar Pradesh, India, has claimed the lives of at least 121 people, with overcrowding cited as the primary cause. A police report revealed that approximately 250,000 people attended the event in Hathras village, far exceeding the permitted capacity of 50,000.

The tragic incident occurred during a satsang led by Bhole Baba, a popular self-styled guru whose real name is Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari. The overwhelming crowd, eager to offer prayers and touch the feet of the guru, surged forward, leading to the fatal crush. Organizers attempted to control the situation by using force to prevent people from moving to safer areas.

Witnesses reported that rain and high humidity exacerbated the chaos, causing people to slip and fall, with women and children making up the majority of the casualties. The death toll has risen to 121, with many more injured.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, has ordered an investigation into the incident, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised comprehensive assistance to the victims. Police have registered cases against the event organizers, and efforts are underway to locate and arrest Baba Vishwa Hari.

Families of the deceased and missing gathered at local hospitals and morgues, seeking answers and the bodies of their loved ones. Vikas Kumar, who lost his grandmother in the tragedy, recounted the chaos that ensued as people rushed to collect soil from the spot where the guru had stood.

Incidents of crowd crushes at religious events have been a recurring issue in India. Rajesh Kumar Jha, a member of parliament, emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.