Overcrowding Causes Tragic Stampede at UP Religious Event

A tragic stampede at a religious congregation in Phulrai village, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in 116 deaths. UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh cited overcrowding as a primary cause. The incident occurred as devotees pursued Baba Narayan Hari's vehicle. Lapses by event organizers are under investigation, with administrative lapses also being examined.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh on Tuesday attributed a tragic stampede at a religious event in Phulrai village to overcrowding, which claimed at least 116 lives.

The incident followed a 'satsang', where attendees pursued Baba Narayan Hari's vehicle, leading to chaos as some bent to collect soil, resulting in falls. Chief Secretary Singh visited the site with Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar.

'The chief minister is closely monitoring developments. Our immediate priority is ensuring the injured receive proper medical care,' Singh told reporters, while pointing out that the event had far surpassed its anticipated attendance of 80,000.

DGP Kumar confirmed an FIR is being registered, and the event organizers' compliance with conditions is under scrutiny. 'The investigation's scope is wide, and actions will follow based on discovered facts,' he stated when asked about potential charges against Bhole Baba.