Rahul Gandhi Visits Aligarh to Meet Families of Hathras Stampede Victims

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrived at Pilakhna village in Aligarh to meet with the families of the victims of the Hathras stampede. The tragic event claimed the lives of 121 people and left over a dozen injured.

The Incident

The stampede occurred on the evening of July 2 during a Satsang led by religious preacher Suraj Pal, also known as Narayan Sakar Hari or ‘Bhole Baba’. Devotees rushed to seek blessings and collect soil from around the preacher’s feet, but were stopped by his security personnel, leading to chaos and the subsequent stampede.

Search and Investigation

Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a search operation at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri for the self-styled godman. An FIR has been registered against the event organizers. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mainpuri, Sunil Kumar, and Superintendent of Hathras City, Rahul Mithas, confirmed that ‘Bhole Baba’ was not found in his ashram.

Government Action

On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site and ordered a judicial probe into the incident. A three-member Judicial Inquiry Commission, chaired by Justice (retd) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava, has been formed to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation. The commission will submit its report to the State Government within two months.