India initiates probe after 121 people passed away in stampede
Date
7/17/2024 6:41:54 AM
(MENAFN) India has initiated an investigation into a deadly stampede that occurred during a religious event in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 121 individuals. The incident took place in Hathras district, where a self-proclaimed Hindu preacher, Narayan Sakar Harial—popularly known as Bhole Baba—was delivering a sermon.
Authorities have filed a Police case against the event's organizers, who had requested permission for approximately 80,000 attendees but reportedly drew a crowd of around 250,000. Most attendees were women, many accompanied by children, raising concerns about crowd management.
According to the police report, the situation escalated when the crowd attempted to exit the venue in a chaotic manner, leading to individuals sitting on the ground being trampled. The First Information Report (FIR) also alleges that the organizers attempted to downplay the actual number of attendees. This incident is not isolated, as similar events hosted by Bhole Baba have previously attracted large crowds.
Bhole Baba, whose actual name is believed to be Saurabh Kumar, has not been implicated in the FIR. As reported by India Today, he commands a following of millions across India, particularly in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. His background includes an 18-year tenure as a constable with the Uttar Pradesh police before he left his position to pursue what he describes as "spiritual enlightenment."
The investigation aims to uncover the factors that led to this tragic event and to hold those responsible accountable.
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