The tragic incident of the stampede in Hathras, which claimed the lives of 121 people during a religious congregation led by Bhole Baba, has sent shockwaves across the nation. National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma visited the site and shared disturbing insights into the events that unfolded. According to Sharma, the ‘sevak’ associated with the event was responsible for all irregularities. She highlighted that Bhole Baba did not allow photos to be taken during the gathering, keeping the phones of devotees to prevent any evidence from emerging. Sharma emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, stating that an FIR should be filed against the Guru responsible for the tragic incident. She expressed concerns about the vulnerability of illiterate women, who were the majority of the deceased, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness among women to be cautious of such self-proclaimed godmen. The stampede occurred as the women rushed out of the venue following the culmination of the religious congregation, leading to chaos and tragedy. The autopsies conducted at a government hospital in Agra revealed that the victims suffered from blood accumulation in the thoracic cavity, asphyxia, and rib injuries. Chief Medical Officer Arun Srivastava highlighted these as the leading causes of death among the victims. The deceased included individuals from various districts, adding to the gravity of the situation. In response to the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, promising to hold those responsible accountable. Adityanath announced that the inquiry panel would consist of retired high court judges and retired administrative and police officers to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede. The police have also filed an FIR against the organizers of the ‘satsang’, accusing them of overcrowding the venue beyond permissible limits. The state government is taking stringent measures to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents are prevented in the future. Yogi Adityanath stressed the importance of holding all responsible parties accountable and expressed his commitment to thorough investigation. The tragic events in Hathras serve as a stark reminder of the need for proper safety protocols and regulations during large gatherings to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future. The Hathras stampede has triggered a wave of grief and outrage, with calls for transparency and justice echoing across the nation. As the investigations unfold and more details come to light, it is essential to reflect on the preventable nature of such incidents and work towards implementing stricter safety measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
