The Stampede at Hathras: A Tragic Reminder of the Dangers of Overcrowded Religious Events

On the afternoon of July 2, thousands of devotees gathered in a field in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, to attend a “satsang” lecture by Hindu guru Bhole Baba. After the sermon, the crowd rushed towards Bhole Baba to touch him, thinking of him as a saint. However, chaos ensued as the crowd pushed forward, causing a stampede that resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 121 people, mostly women and children.

Witnesses described a scene of panic and horror as people tried to escape the overcrowded tent, which had turned muddy due to heavy rain. The narrow exit was blocked by bamboo poles and motorcycles, making it difficult for worshippers to flee the stampede.

The tragic incident raised questions about crowd management at religious events in India, where deadly stampedes are not uncommon. Authorities are investigating the cause of the stampede and have promised to hold those responsible accountable. Families of the victims were offered financial compensation by the government, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the tragedy. Despite these efforts