More than 50 people died and over a 100 are estimated to be injured in a stampede at a satsang, or religious event, in Hathras of Uttar Pradesh, as per the Indian Express. The number of those dead, a majority of whom are women, is likely to increase.  

The stampede took place purportedly amid a sermon by local preacher Bhole Baba alias Narain Sakar Hari and his wife, under the banner of Sakaar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, at Ratibhanpur village in Sikandra Rau tehsil, according to Etah senior SP Rakesh Kumar Singh.

Police officials cited by the Indian Express said that “at least 15,000 people” were present at the satsang for which a temporary police permission had been granted. So far, 27 dead bodies have been brought to the Etah Medical College. Of these, 23 are of women, three of children.

Singh said that the victims are being identified and investigation has begun in the case. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reportedly formed a panel, including ADG Agra and Aligarh police commissioner, to investigate the cause of the deaths. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that the UP government “is engaged in providing all possible help to all the victims”.

A video of the devotees allegedly lying on the ground in front of a hospital is circulating on social media. Another video showed locals in anger with the administration. But both SSP and CMO Etah denied that the injured were brought to the Etah Medical College.

SSP Rajesh Kumar told Express that the hospital’s “strength to accommodate patients has been exhausted” and the authorities have asked private hospitals to spare beds for the stampede victims. 

A PTI report said that the injured were being admitted to the Aligarh Medical Hospital.

Bhole Baba, a resident of Bahadur Nagri village in Etah, has reportedly been active in the region for nearly 27 years.

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