’Suffocation led to discomfort and then…’: UP official explains primary reason behind Hathras stampede

At least 107 people were killed on Tuesday following a stampede in Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place during a 'satsang' in Pulrai village of Hathras after people had gathered in large numbers. Initial reports suggested that over 15,000 people had gathered for the event that had permission to host about 5,000.

“It was a closed enclosure of tent and prima facie it seems that suffocation led to discomfort and those gathered ran here and there leading to stampede,” said Aligarh Range IG Shalabh Mathur.

Meanwhile Sikandra Rao police station SHO Ashish Kumar told PTI that the stampede had apparently occurred due to overcrowding. According to an eyewitness the incident took place as people leaving the venue at the end of the 'satsang'.

“After the ‘satsang’ ended, everyone came out. Outside, the road was built on a height with a drain below. One after the other, people started falling into it. Some people got crushed,” Shakuntala told PTI.

“District administration is investigating the matter. The injured are being taken to the hospital and people are still being recovered…A figure of nearly 50-60 deaths has been reported to me by the doctors... Permission for the event to be held was given by the SDM and it was a private event…A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter... The primary focus of the administration is to provide all possible help to the injured and kin of the deceased,” added Hathras DM Ashish Kumar.

"I have spoken with injured victims and eyewitnesses. After the event was over the chief spokesperson (Baba Ji) was leaving and people rushed to seek his blessings. Following this, a few people fell off and other people fell over them. Many started running and a stampede occurred as the path was very narrow. 116 people have died and 22 have been hospitalised. 20 bodies have been unidentified. It is difficult to show bodies and it is difficult for the person also who gets to see the bodies," said BJP MLA Arun Asim who interacted with the victims and eyewitnesses of the Hathras stampede on Wednesday.

The Uttar Pradesh government has since announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the kin of those killed in the incident. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. PM Modi also spoke with the CM following the stampede and condoled the loss of lives.

(With inputs from agencies)