A Stampede At A Religious Guru’s Gathering In India Has Killed More Than 120 People
A stampede at a religious gathering in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India has killed at least 121 people, including 106 women and seven children.
A stampede at a religious gathering in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India has killed at least 121 people, including 106 women and seven children.
The stampede happened on Tuesday, July 2, during a satsang – or prayer meeting – attended by thousands of followers of a“godman” and religious guru, Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, also known as Bhole Baba, at a tent set up in Hathras district.
It broke out after Bhole Baba left the event and his followers rushed to collect soil near his vehicle, causing chaos and people trampling on each other, according to a preliminary investigation.
The investigation showed that the guru's private security guards, armed with sticks, reportedly pushed some followers to prevent them from touching him.
It also found the field, which was covered with water and slush from recent rains, worsened the situation as several people slipped and fell, according to India Today.
Bhole Baba’s lawyer has denied claims that his followers had rushed to collect the dirt, instead blaming "anti-social elements" for hatching a conspiracy against the godman.
The police have launched an official investigation against the event organizers for violating rules and mismanagement.
The police report accused the organizers of exceeding the permissible capacity, concealing evidence and failing to cooperate with emergency responders.
The event, which had authorization for 80,000 attendees, apparently drew more than 250,000 people.
However, Bhole Baba is not included in the list of those accused in the police report.
A special investigation team has been formed to probe the incident.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences “to those who lost their lives in this accident” and said the victims would receive assistance.
The state government has also promised severe action against those responsible for the incident.
Meanwhile, Bhole Baba has been missing since the evening of the incident.
Several of his followers have expressed their anger after many people were injured and some people lost their entire family, which led people to question Bhole Baba’s "healing powers."
"If the baba really has powers and cares about us, he should come here and heal us. He should help us in treatment," a woman whose hand was injured in the stampede said.
The police have also canceled two of Bhole Baba’s other scheduled congregations, which were to be held between July 4 and July 23.
In India, religious gatherings and shrines frequently witness stampedes, and controversies surrounding the belief in “godmen” are usual.
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Kassy Cho
Kassy Cho
Wendy Chuang
