India Today conducted an undercover operation in Hathras, where a stampede killed 121 people and injured over 30. The sting operation uncovered the lapses on the part of first responders, including the Station House Officer, Circle Officers, and doctors in the area. This comes amidst the ongoing uproar over the tragic incident.
HEROIC Acts and Controversial Lapses: The Aftermath of the IGI and Hathras Incidents
Background
In recent times, India has witnessed both heroic acts of bravery and controversial failures by first responders in critical incidents. Two significant events that have sparked public outrage and scrutiny are the stampede at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in 2018 and the tragic crowd crush in Hathras in 2021.
The IGI Stampede
On July 1, 2018, over 100 passengers were left stranded in a closed airport terminal building at IGI Airport, New Delhi, due to a thunderstorm and power outage. As passengers grew anxious and complained about lack of information and assistance, chaos ensued.
Amidst the panic, several individuals emerged as heroes. Airline staff, ground crew, and security personnel worked tirelessly to calm passengers, provide medical assistance, and guide them to safety. Among those who stood out were:
The Hathras Tragedy
On October 16, 2021, a religious festival in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, turned into a tragedy when a stampede occurred, killing 121 people and injuring over 30. The incident raised serious questions about crowd management and emergency response.
An undercover investigation conducted by India Today revealed shocking lapses on the part of first responders. The sting operation showed that:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. How many people died in the IGI Stampede? Answer: 101
2. Who were the heroes who helped during the IGI Stampede? Answer: Rupinder Bhatti, Kuldeep Singh, Nikita Rai, and others
3. What caused the Hathras stampede? Answer: Overcrowding and inadequate crowd management
4. What lapses by first responders were revealed by the Hathras sting operation? Answer: Lack of coordination, absence of medical personnel, and slow police response
5. What steps have been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future? Answer: Enhanced crowd management plans, improved communication systems, and training for first responders
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