Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has broken his silence on the tragic stampede in Hathras, urging the public to allow the investigation to proceed and assuring that the truth will come to light. The incident, which occurred during a religious gathering, has resulted in significant loss of life and injuries.
CM's Assurance and Government Action
Addressing the media, CM Yogi Adityanath stated that the state government is committed to a transparent and thorough probe into the Hathras stampede. He emphasized that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to look into the matter is working diligently. The Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and affirmed that the administration is providing all possible assistance.
Yogi Adityanath highlighted that the government's priority is twofold: ensuring proper medical care for the injured and delivering justice through a fair investigation. He mentioned that senior officials are overseeing the relief efforts on the ground.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The stampede took place on July 2, 2024, at a satsang (religious congregation) in the Hathras district, led by preacher Bhole Baba. A large crowd had gathered for the event. Preliminary reports suggest a sudden rush of devotees led to the chaos, resulting in the tragic loss of over 120 lives, with many more injured.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh government swiftly announced compensation for the victims' families and initiated a high-level inquiry. The SIT is tasked with examining all aspects of the event, including crowd management, permissions, and the sequence of events that led to the disaster.
Path Forward and Call for Patience
The Chief Minister's statement, "Let the investigation continue, the truth will emerge," is a direct appeal for public patience and trust in the judicial process. He assured that no one found responsible would be spared. The state has also been focusing on:
- Providing ex-gratia financial aid to the families of the deceased and injured.
- Reviewing safety protocols for large public gatherings across Uttar Pradesh.
- Coordinating with local authorities to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.
This incident has sparked a nationwide debate on the management of massive religious assemblies. The Uttar Pradesh government's handling of the aftermath and its commitment to a conclusive investigation are now under close scrutiny. The coming days will be critical as the SIT compiles its findings and recommendations.
