Hathras stampede: Yogi Adityanath announces judicial inquiry into incident
What's the story
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a judicial inquiry into the Hathras stampede that claimed the lives of 121 people. "We have formed an SIT, led by ADG Agra. They have been told to investigate this deeply," Adityanath announced at a press conference. The state government will conduct the inquiry, which will be led by a retired high court judge and include retired senior officials from administration and police.
Incident details
Eyewitness accounts and international condolences
The chief minister also visited the hospital to meet the victims of the incident and had a conversation with several eyewitnesses. "They informed me that the incident took place after the program was over when the preacher of the Satsang was coming down from the stage, suddenly several women started going towards him to touch him and when the 'sevadars' stopped them, due to which this accident happened." "The administration was not allowed by 'sevadars' to enter inside," he said.
Twitter Post
Adityanath meeting victims
#UPCM @myogiadityanath ने जनपद हाथरस की दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण दुर्घटना में घायल हुए लोगों से अस्पताल में भेंट कर उनका कुशल-क्षेम जाना। उनके उपचार के संबंध में चिकित्सकों से जानकारी प्राप्त की।
— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) July 3, 2024
मुख्यमंत्री जी ने घटनास्थल पर ड्यूटी पर तैनात घायल कांस्टेबल से भी घटना के संबंध में जानकारी… pic.twitter.com/OnLhjjJhIj
Compensation details
Compensation announced for stampede victims' families
Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh state government has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic stampede. The incident, which took place at a 'satsang' in Phulrai village, is one of the largest such tragedies in recent years. Out of the 121 victims, six were from other states: four from Haryana and one each from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Investigation update
Search operation for preacher and investigation progress
The police have already initiated a search operation for Baba Narayan Hari, who conducted the satsang. According to a PTI report, state police have filed a FIR against the organizers; however, the godman's name does not appear on the list of accused, despite being mentioned in the complaint. The FIR also mentions that the satsang was attended by approximately 2.5 lakh followers, in contrast to the organizers' claim that the attendance would be 80,000.