UP Hathras Stampede LIVE Updates: 121 Devotees Trampled at ‘Satsang’; Government Scrambles with Tweets and Promises

In another staggering display of efficiency, the death count from the Hathras stampede has tragically risen to 121. This calamity occurred during a 'satsang' organized by self-styled godman Bhole Baba, aka Narayan Saakar Hari. While the government’s swift bulldozer actions are evident when demolishing homes, their speed translates to Twitter condolences when real human lives are at stake. Our Tughlaq 2.0 leaders seem more adept at online sympathy than ensuring on-ground safety.

Helpline Numbers: 05722-227041 and 05722-227042

Bhole Baba, safely ensconced at his ashram in Mainpuri, 100 km from the disaster site, continues to evade accountability. Meanwhile, senior police officials have swarmed both the Hathras stampede site and his Ram Kutir Charitable Trust ashram.

A committee has been set up to investigate the incident, an action we've seen time and again with no real outcomes. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have, unsurprisingly, taken to Twitter to express their condolences.

Updates on the Hathras Stampede:

Death Count Rises to 121

The official death toll has now climbed to 121. Helpline numbers have been established, but for the bereaved families, these numbers offer little solace.

FIR Against 'Satsang' Organisers

The FIR paints a grim picture of the chaos: “Due to the uncontrollable crowd leaving the venue, devotees sitting on the ground were crushed. On the other side, the crowd running in the water and mud-filled fields was forcibly stopped by the organizing committee with sticks, increasing the pressure and causing more to be trampled."

Charges Against Organizers

A case has been filed against the 'Satsang' organizers. They are charged under several sections of the new criminal code Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) after exceeding the permitted 80,000 attendees with a staggering 2.5 lakh devotees.

High-Level Investigation

A high-level committee, headed by the Additional Director General of Police, Agra, and the Aligarh Commissioner, has been formed. Let's hope this committee doesn't just produce another report to gather dust.

Forensic Unit and Dog Squad

In a rare show of readiness, a forensic unit and dog squad have reached the site. Teams from the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are also present.

Hunt for Godman Bhole Baba

The elusive godman, also known as Suraj Pal, is likely to face arrest soon. His ashram in Mainpuri remains a hub of activity with both police and media teams on-site.

Political Leaders’ Statements

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary described the event as “extremely unfortunate,” emphasizing the government’s ongoing review. BJP MLA Asim Arun noted, “116 people have died and 22 are being treated in various hospitals,” after visiting the injured.

While the government's bulldozer actions against the poor and marginalized are executed with ruthless efficiency, their response to genuine human tragedies remains a series of tweets and promises. Tughlaq 2.0 is more concerned with digital impressions than real-world accountability. It's high time we demand concrete actions and hold our leaders responsible for their mismanagement and the perilous Bulldozer Raj.