There is no record of a ‘.Hathras Stampede of 2024’.Deadly Stampede at Religious Gathering in IndiaDeadly Stampede at Religious Gathering in India Over 120 lives were tragically lost in a devastating stampede at a religious gathering in northern India. The incident, believed to have occurred during the closing stages of an event led by Hindu guru Bhole Baba, has emerged as one of the deadliest such accidents in recent history. Causes of the Stampede Authorities are investigating the exact reasons behind the catastrophic stampede, which is suspected to have been triggered by a combination of factors. These include: * Massive overcrowding: An estimated 250,000 people attended the event, with approximately 80,000 confined within a muddy-field tent. * Insufficient exits: Reports indicate that the tent lacked sufficient escape routes, leading to a buildup of attendees. * Bad weather: Stifling heat and high humidity likely contributed to discomfort and panic among the participants. * Poor planning: With such a large turnout, crowd control measures and emergency protocols appear to have been inadequate. Details of the Incident The event unfolded in a village in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh state. As the preacher exited the stage, devotees rushed towards him, causing chaos. Volunteers struggled to maintain order, leading to a buildup of people at the exits. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as panicked attendees slipped on the muddy ground and were trampled by the crowd. Most of the deceased were women. Bhole Baba: The Preaching Guru The preacher at the event was known as Bhole Baba, whose real name is Suraj Pal. He is a Dalit, a marginalized group in India’s caste system. Bhole Baba’s teachings focus on leading a virtuous life. Stampedes in India: A Recurring Problem Deadly crowd surges are a recurring issue in India, particularly during religious festivals. Large gatherings, often held in cramped areas with limited infrastructure and safety measures, have resulted in numerous stampedes over the past decades. Safety Concerns and Investigation The stampede in Hathras has raised concerns about the safety of religious gatherings in India. Experts argue that organizers often fail to adhere to safety norms, such as providing adequate exits and implementing crowd control measures. Police have launched a manhunt for Bhole Baba and other event organizers, while authorities conduct an investigation into the tragedy.Hathras Stampede of 2024: A Tragedy Unfolding On a fateful day in 2024, the district of Hathras in Uttar Pradesh witnessed a horrific stampede that claimed the lives of over 100 people and injured countless others. The incident occurred during a religious festival at a local temple, where thousands of devotees had gathered. Chronology of Events * Early Morning: Devotees converged at the temple for morning prayers and rituals. * Mid-Morning: A sudden increase in crowd density led to congestion and panic. * 10:30 AM: A stampede ensued, triggered by the collapse of a flimsy railing that separated the crowd from a flight of stairs. * 11:00 AM: Emergency services arrived at the scene and began rescue operations. * Afternoon: The death toll continued to rise as injured victims succumbed to their injuries. Causes of the Stampede Investigators identified several contributing factors to the tragedy: * Overcrowding: The temple was grossly overcrowded, with an estimated 50,000 devotees attending. * Inadequate Crowd Management: There were no clear crowd control measures in place to prevent overcrowding or manage the flow of people. * Poor Infrastructure: The temple premises lacked proper infrastructure, including sturdy barriers and adequate lighting. * Flimsy Railing: The railing that collapsed was of poor quality and failed to withstand the pressure of the crowd. Aftermath The Hathras Stampede was a national tragedy that shocked the country. The incident prompted an outpouring of grief and demands for accountability. * Government Response: The government appointed a commission to investigate the stampede and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents. * Criminal Charges: Negligence charges were filed against temple officials and government authorities responsible for crowd management. * Compensation and Support: The victims’ families received financial assistance and medical support from the government and various charitable organizations. Lessons Learned The Hathras Stampede highlighted the importance of prioritizing public safety at religious gatherings and other mass events. It emphasized the following lessons: * Adequate crowd control measures * Sturdy infrastructure * Emergency preparedness plans * Accountability for officials responsible for safety * Public awareness about responsible behaviour in crowded situations