On Tuesday, 2 July 2024, a stampede at a religious event in Hathras, resulted in the deaths of at least 116 people. Most of them were women and children, and the hospitalisation of at least 150 others. The incident occurred during a Satsang in the village of Mughal Garhi. Sources reported that over 15,000 people were present for the event, the venue only had the capacity for 5,000.

The accident occurred as attendees were leaving after the conclusion of a Satsang commemorating the Lord Shiva. The event was held at a makeshift tent in the village of Mughal Garhi. A local preacher known as Narayan Sakar Hari or Bhole Baba organized the Satsang. His real name is Suraj Pal, and he is a former constable with the Uttar Pradesh Police who has a large following among the Dalit community.

Initial reports stated that over 15,000 people had gathered for the event, which only had the capacity for 5,000. Officials claimed the incident occurred due to heat, overcrowding, and a strong dust storm that caused people to panic. The exit from the venue was said to have been too narrow. Some of the victims were believed to have fallen into a roadside drain during the commotion. Reports suggest that attendees were blocked so that the Bhole Baba and his group would be able to exit first. Responding police officer also died of a heart attack caused by distress after he encountered the bodies of multiple victims who were taken to a hospital in Etah.

CM statement on stampede

Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, indicated that each of the families of the dead would receive ₹200,000 in financial assistance, while those injured would receive ₹50,000. He also instructed officials to investigate the causes of the incident. President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the Hathras Stampede.