Hathras stampede toll rises to 121, UP CM orders judicial probe

Chest injuries, asphyxia among causes of death, autopsies show

- BISWAJEET BANERJEE

The death toll from the stampede during a religious congregation of Bhole Baba in Hathras has risen to 121, with five more people succumbing to their injuries, a government official said.

Manish Chaudhry, a government official, confirmed that five more individuals died in the hospital on Wednesday morning. He also said that 28 injured people remain hospitalised, with the condition of six being serious. “The majority of the injured were released after their condition stabilised,” he told the reporter.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has initiated a thorough judicial inquiry into the devastating stampede. The inquiry, led by a retired High Court judge, will investigate the incident from all angles and determine the accountability of those involved.

CM Yogi suspects a conspiracy behind the tragedy, pointing to the alleged role of volunteers in triggering the stampede and their subsequent attempt to cover it up. He expressed disappointment and concern over the volunteers’ actions, saying they abandoned their duties and attempted to conceal the truth, exacerbating the situation.

The Chief Minister visited the accident site and held a review meeting with local officials, receiving a detailed presentation on the incident. He promised that the state government would support the education of minor children of the deceased under the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Child Service Scheme, ensuring their future is secure.

The government has announced financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs. 1 lakh to the injured, providing some solace in their time of grief. CM Yogi criticised opposition leaders for trying to politicise the tragedy, emphasising the need for collective support to the affected families instead of indulging in blame games.