Hathras stampede: Toll rises to 121, FIR says 2.5 lakh people in venue of 80,000

The death toll in the stampede that occurred during a ‘satsang’ event here has risen to 121 as of Wednesday. Police have filed an FIR against the organizers, accusing them of hiding evidence and violating regulations. The event venue, which was only permitted to hold 80,000 people, had an estimated 2.5 lakh individuals in attendance. A day after the stampede in Phulrai village during a congregation led by religious preacher Bhole Baba, devastated families are trying to come to terms with their loss. Stunned by how an afternoon outing turned into a tragic event, crowds have gathered around hospitals. Some are searching for missing loved ones, some are identifying bodies, and others are tending to the injured. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, met with the injured individuals from the stampede. The incident occurred around 3:30 pm when the Baba was leaving the venue. Some reports indicate that people slipped in the slush as they ran after the preacher’s car. A team comprising the ADG Agra and the Aligarh Divisional Commissioner has been formed to investigate the cause of the incident, and the report is expected to be submitted on Wednesday. According to the Office of the Relief Commissioner, 28 people were injured and only four out of the 121 bodies remained unidentified. Of the 116 who died on Tuesday, all were women except for seven children and one man.