UP Congress Chief Ajay Rai meets victims of Hathras stampede incident

Speaking with ANI, the Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief said, "The incident that occurred was very tragic and I feel that this government (Yogi government) is insensitive, as they just granted the permission for the event without knowing the number of attendees. As per my estimates, the government is responsible for the incident. There should be strict actions against the administrators who granted the permission for the event along with the organizers."

As the Yogi and central governments announced Rs 2 lakh aid to the deceased, Rai on the decision asserted, "Not Rs 2 lakhs, instead the government should give at least Rs 1 crore and a government job to the deceased. While the injured should be given the aid of Rs 25 lakhs."

After meeting with the injured, Rai stated, "Their condition is idle, as the hospital is lacking in resources, even there is no electricity. For better treatment, the government should shift the injured to another hospital immediately."

The tragic stampede that incident occurred on Tuesday in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras claimed the lives of 121 people and as many as 35 people are injured.

The prime facie report submitted by the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of the Sikandra Rao division of the district suggests that the stampede occurred as devotees rushed to seek blessing from 'Bhole Baba', the preacher at the religious congregation Satsang, as he was about to leave the venue after the prayer.

The preacher 'Bhole Baba' identified as Suraj Pal is also known by the names of Narayan Sakar Hari and Jagat Guru Vishwahari.

As per prima facie report, the devotees rushed to seek blessings and collect soil from around the preacher's feet, were stopped by the security personnel of 'Bhole Baba'. Later, they started pushing one another due to which several people fell to the ground, leading to chaos at the site.

Some people ran towards the adjoining field filled with mud, due to which they fell down and were crushed by other devotees, the report stated.

"The injured were taken to the hospital by the police and security personnel present at the site", it further said.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been lodged against Devprakash Madhukar, referred to as 'Mukhya Sewadar' and other organizers of the 'Satsang'. The preacher 'Bhole Baba', who is currently untraceable, has not been named in the FIR.

Uttar Pradesh police have launched a search operation at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri district.

FIR has filed under Sections 105, 110, 126(2), 223, and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. (ANI)