Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a judicial inquiry into the devastating stampede in Hathras, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 121 people.
Speaking at a press conference, CM Adityanath disclosed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by ADG Agra, has already submitted a preliminary report and will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
“In addition to the SIT, the State Government has decided to initiate a judicial inquiry led by a retired High Court judge, with participation from retired senior officials of the Administration and Police,” stated the CM.
Updating on the situation, the CM emphasised the government’s immediate focus on rescue operations and provided details on the victims, “A total of 121 devotees lost their lives, including individuals from UP, Haryana, MP, and Rajasthan. Out of these, 6 were from other states, while 31 injured persons are currently receiving treatment, with most out of danger.”
He visited the hospital where victims were being treated and gathered eyewitness accounts, “Eyewitnesses informed me that the incident occurred after the Satsang program had concluded. When the preacher was descending from the stage, several women rushed towards him, leading to a tragic accident as ‘sevadars’ tried to intervene. The administration was initially barred from entering.”
In an international show of support, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended condolences over the tragedy, reflecting global attention on the incident. Meanwhile, local authorities have launched a search operation for Baba Narayan Hari, the religious preacher who conducted the Satsang, while an FIR has been filed against the event organizers for alleged negligence in managing the gathering.
The FIR, which did not implicate the police or administration, accused organisers of misrepresenting the number of attendees and hindering traffic management, among other charges.
