Hathras stampede: Most of the 116 victims identified, search on for organiser 'Bhole Baba'. Check latest updates

The death toll from the stampede at a religious event in Hathras district on July 2 has risen to 116, with a senior police official saying most of the victims have been identified. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary announced a compensation of $1 lakh. ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹$50,000 for the injured. Police continue to search for the organizer of the Satsang, Bhole Baba.

“So far, the death toll is 116 and 18 injured, all out of danger,” Aligarh Commissioner Chaitra V told ANI on Tuesday.The Uttar Pradesh government confirmed that most of the victims have been identified and efforts are on to identify the remaining bodies. Aligarh zone Inspector General of Police Shalabh Mathur told PTI, “116 people died in the stampede incident in Hathras.” The victims included women and children who had gathered from various districts for the 'satsang'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of life and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. PM Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after the tragedy. He said, “The Uttar Pradesh government is committed to providing all possible assistance to the victims. My condolences go to those who have lost their loved ones. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he said in a message on X.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressing deep sorrow, announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 people were injured. He ordered a thorough inquiry and formed a team under the ADG of Agra and Commissioner Aligarh to investigate the causes of the accident. CM Adityanath is personally monitoring the situation and has dispatched two ministers, the chief secretary and the DGP to the spot.

Hathras District Magistrate Ashish Kumar said the incident took place during a private function. “The permission for the event was given by the SDM and it was a private function. A high-level committee has been formed to probe the matter. The main objective of the administration is to provide all possible help to the injured and the kin of the deceased,” Kumar said.

Following the incident, a search operation was conducted at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri district in search of 'Bhole Baba', the organiser of the event. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar revealed that 'Bhole Baba' was not found in the premises of the trust.

Aligarh DM Vishak G Iyer said 23 bodies have been brought to Aligarh and three injured are receiving treatment, one of them in critical condition.

Hathras Chief Medical Officer Dr Manjeet Singh said that out of the 32 bodies brought to the facility, 19 have been identified. “A total of 116 people have died so far… 32 bodies were brought here and 19 of them have been identified. We are in the process of identifying the rest,” he said.

Congress MP KL Sharma and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary have called for tighter security measures during such events. Witnesses described the chaotic scene where people rushed to seek blessings, leading to a deadly stampede on the narrow path.

An inquiry report has been registered and an investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the tragedy. A committee, headed by DG Zone Agra, will submit a report to the chief minister.

(With contributions from agencies)