116 Killed in Tragic Stampede at Hathras Satsang in Uttar Pradesh

A Call for Improved Safety Protocols.

Incident Overview

On July 2, 2024, a tragic stampede occurred during a large religious congregation, known as a "satsang," in the village of Rati Bhanpur, Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The event, led by the Hindu preacher Bhole Baba, turned fatal as panic spread among the crowd. Latest reports confirm that at least 116 people have died, with scores more injured.

Chaos Triggered by Dust Storm

The stampede broke out as the prayer meeting concluded and attendees began rushing to exit the venue, which was held under tents. Eyewitnesses reported that a fierce dust storm sparked panic among the crowd of thousands trying to leave, leading to a chaotic crush. Many people were trampled or fell into a roadside drain as they scrambled to get out. Most of the victims were women and children. Over 150 injured people were hospitalized following the stampede, and there are concerns the death toll could further rise.

Overcrowding and Safety Failures

Overcrowding appears to have been a major factor, with initial reports suggesting over 15,000 people had gathered for the event that only had permission for about 5,000 attendees. The narrow exits and sudden dust storm exacerbated the deadly situation. This overcrowding and inadequate exit planning underscore a significant failure in event safety management.

Government Response

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an investigation and directed officials to conduct relief operations. An FIR (First Information Report¹) has been filed against the organizers of the satsang event, even as the “spiritual” Baba remains untraceable so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who received the sad news while he was replying to the “Motion of Thanks” debate in the Lok Sabha, announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of each of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.

The Controversial Figure: Bhole Baba

Religious preacher Narayan Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, who organised the 'satsang sabha' (religious congregation) that ended in a massive stampede claiming hundreds of lives, is no stranger to controversy. Known as Suraj Pal before adopting his spiritual name, Bhole Baba hails from Bahadur Nagari village in the Patiyali area of Kasganj district. He left his job in the state police two decades ago to become a preacher. Bhole Baba enjoys a significant following not only in Uttar Pradesh but also in neighbouring states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. He claims to have had a divine vision that inspired him to start organizing large religious gatherings, or 'sabhas,' which attract thousands of devotees.

Stampede and the Aftermath

The tragic stampede at the religious gathering in Hathras district on July 2, 2024, resulted in at least 117 deaths and numerous injuries. The event, intended as a spiritual assembly, turned into a disaster as panic spread among the overcrowded attendees. Bhole Baba had previously courted controversy during the pandemic by organizing a satsang in Farrukhabad district in May 2022, where an intended small gathering grew to over 50,000 people. Following the Hathras incident, Bhole Baba is now absconding, and the Uttar Pradesh police have launched a hunt for him and the other organisers, who have also disappeared, leaving their mobile phones switched off.

Historical Context and Need for Change

This heartbreaking incident highlights the recurring problem of deadly stampedes at crowded religious gatherings in India, often due to inadequate safety measures and crowd control. It is not the first instance of such a tragedy, emphasizing the urgent need for authorities and event organizers to prioritize and enforce proper safety protocols to prevent such disasters in the future.

Exemplary Crowd Management by Radha Soami Satsang at Beas

In stark contrast to the poorly managed event in Hathras, the Radha Soami Satsang at Beas serves as an exemplary model of how large religious gatherings should be organized. The Radha Soami Satsang deploys volunteers even along the National Highway on Sundays to ensure smooth traffic flow and manage the influx of devotees. Their meticulous planning and dedication to safety significantly reduce the risk of accidents and stampedes, demonstrating that with proper arrangements, large gatherings can be conducted safely and peacefully.

Summing Up

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, mostly women, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured. This is not the time to play politics but to reflect on the continuum of responsibility, accountability, and culpability. While it is essential to avoid apportioning blame hastily, understanding the need for a foolproof protocol is critical. Such a protocol must be strictly invoked to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees at large gatherings, preventing such tragic incidents from recurring.

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1. Based on the search results, here is a detailed summary of the specified sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023:

Section 105: Punishment for Culpable Homicide Not Amounting to Murder

This section states that anyone who commits culpable homicide not amounting to murder shall be punished with life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years, plus a fine. The punishment depends on the intention and knowledge of causing death or bodily injury likely to cause death​ (India Code)​​ (AdvocateKhoj)​.

Section 110: Attempt to Commit Culpable Homicide

This section falls under Chapter VI on offences affecting the human body. It covers the punishment for attempting to commit culpable homicide. While the exact details were not explicitly found, it typically deals with penalizing those who attempt to cause serious harm without resulting in death​ (India Code)​.

Section 126(2): Wrongful Restraint

This subsection deals with wrongful restraint, which involves unlawfully preventing a person from proceeding in any direction they have the right to go. This was highlighted in the context of a case in Rajasthan where this section was invoked​ (AdvocateKhoj)​.

Section 223: Disobedience to an Order Duly Promulgated by a Public Servant

This section addresses the disobedience of orders duly promulgated by public servants. It mirrors the corresponding section in the previous Indian Penal Code, aiming to uphold public order and obedience to lawful directives​ (PRS Legislative Research)​​ (AdvocateKhoj)​.

Section 238: Using as True a Certificate Known to be False

This section penalizes the import or export of counterfeits of the Indian coin. It ensures the integrity of the currency by addressing fraudulent activities related to coin counterfeiting​ (AdvocateKhoj)​.

In summary, these sections of the BNS 2023 cover various offences, including culpable homicide, attempts to commit culpable homicide, wrongful restraint, disobedience to public orders, and counterfeiting of coins. The BNS, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, aims to provide a comprehensive and updated legal framework for addressing these issues effectively.