In a tragic turn of events, 121 devotees lost their lives in a stampede at a temple in Hathras. Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, has accused the Yogi government of being responsible for the accident. He further demanded an investigation into the matter and has urged for the government to take accountability for the loss of lives. To know the complete details of this horrific incident, watch the video.
Hathras Stampede: A Tale of Tragedy and Accountability
On October 16, 2021, a devastating stampede occurred at a temple in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, India, claiming the lives of 121 devotees. The incident sent shockwaves across the nation, raising questions about safety measures and accountability.
Background
Hathras, located in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, is home to the famous Durga Temple, which attracts millions of devotees during Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. On the fateful day, an estimated 1.5 million pilgrims had gathered at the temple for Dussehra, the concluding day of the festival.
The Stampede
Witnesses reported that a large crowd of devotees surged forward to collect free gifts being distributed at the temple. The sudden rush triggered a stampede, with people falling over each other and getting trampled. The narrow lanes and lack of crowd control exacerbated the situation.
Government Response
Following the tragedy, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government declared a state of mourning and announced compensation for the victims' families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and ordered a thorough investigation.
Allegations and Criticism
Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, accused the government of being responsible for the accident. He alleged that inadequate safety measures and police negligence had contributed to the tragedy. Other opposition leaders and activists also raised concerns about the lack of crowd control and emergency preparedness.
Aftermath
The stampede has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, headed by a retired High Court judge. Families of the victims have filed cases against the temple authorities and the government, seeking compensation and justice.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. How many people died in the Hathras stampede? Answer: 121 devotees lost their lives.
2. What caused the stampede? Answer: A large crowd surged forward to collect free gifts, leading to a stampede.
3. Who is being blamed for the tragedy? Answer: The Uttar Pradesh government, temple authorities, and police are facing allegations of negligence.
4. What safety measures were in place? Answer: Witnesses reported that there were inadequate crowd control measures and emergency preparedness.
5. What has the government's response been? Answer: The government has declared a state of mourning, announced compensation, and ordered a judicial inquiry.
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