Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited Hathras in Uttar Pradesh on Friday to meet with families affected by the tragic stampede that occurred during a religious ‘satsang’ event in Fulari village on July 2, claiming the lives of 123 people.
En route to Hathras, Rahul Gandhi also stopped in Aligarh to console families of the victims. The bodies of all 123 deceased have been identified and handed over to their respective families.
Speaking to the media after meeting with the victims’ families, one member expressed disappointment over the lack of proper medical facilities and arrangements at the ‘Satsang’ venue. She recounted Rahul Gandhi’s assurance of assistance through his party, emphasizing that better arrangements could have potentially saved lives.
Another bereaved family member recounted Rahul Gandhi’s promise of comprehensive support: “He said he’ll help. Have patience. My mother and brother died in the incident.”
Nitin Kumar, son of Shanti Devi, who lost her life in the stampede, described the harrowing events of that day. He mentioned how they were separated during the ‘Satsang’ and his frantic search for his mother, only to find out later that she had succumbed to injuries.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Nitin said, “He inquired about our well-being and assured us of all kinds of help. We also requested him to raise this issue in Parliament to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Lata, Shanti Devi’s daughter, expressed disappointment that Rahul Gandhi did not visit their home directly, despite their waiting since morning. She voiced their desire for Rahul Gandhi to have come to their house instead of them being called elsewhere.
Jitendra, another son of Shanti Devi, thanked Rahul Gandhi for his visit to Aligarh but expressed a wish for him to have visited their home as well, noting his appreciation for Rahul Gandhi’s assurance of support from both personal and governmental sides.
In response to the tragic incident, Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a search operation at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri, associated with the self-styled godman ‘Bhole Baba’. The preacher was not found during the operation.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site and ordered a judicial probe, forming a three-member Judicial Inquiry Commission led by Justice (retd) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava. The commission will investigate the stampede incident over the next two months and submit its report.
Initial reports suggest the stampede occurred when devotees surged forward to seek blessings and collect soil from around the preacher’s feet, leading to chaos as security personnel intervened.
The visit of Rahul Gandhi and ongoing judicial inquiries aim to address the aftermath and prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
