During a “satsang” lecture held by Hindu guru Bhole Baba in Uttar Pradesh state, thousands of devotees from various districts gathered to touch the saint. Following the sermon, the crowd rushed towards Bhole Baba, creating a stampede that resulted in the death of at least 121 people, mostly women and children.
Ramji Lal was among those who were pushed and trampled unconscious during the chaos. Witness Dharmendra Kumar described how the overcrowded hut and suffocating atmosphere led to panic among the worshippers, causing them to push forward and slip on the slippery ground. Devotees also described how the hot weather, wet ground, and narrow exit contributed to the disaster.
The organizers had permission for 5,000 attendees but were overwhelmed with over 15,000 worshippers. Rescuers used tractors and cars to transport victims to nearby health stations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and injured. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the stampede. Tragically, deadly stampedes are not uncommon at major religious events in India, highlighting the need for improved crowd management strategies.
In this article Ramji Lal’s experience of being pushed and trampled unconscious during a stampede caused by thousands of devotees trying to touch Bhole Baba after a sermon is highlighted. The incident occurred in Hathras on July 2 in a large hut set up in a field where thousands of devotees from various districts attended an event organized by Hindu guru Bhole Baba.
Devotees rushed towards Bhole Baba after his sermon believing him to be a saint resulting in a stampede that killed at least 121 people mainly women and children. The overcrowded hut and suffocating atmosphere led to panic among worshippers causing them to push forward and slip on slippery ground.
Ramji Lal was one of those who suffered from this tragedy as he tried to approach Bhole Baba but was pushed from behind and trampled unconscious. Hot weather, wet ground, narrow exit all contributed to this disaster as some devotees tried escaping through bamboo fences ending up in ditches or tripping over each other.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial compensation for families of deceased and injured but investigations are still ongoing to determine exact cause of this tragic event which is not uncommon at major religious events in India highlighting need for improved crowd management strategies.
