A horrifying stampede took place at a religious function in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, resulting in the death of at least 121 people and leaving several others injured. The incident occurred during a satsang at Fulrai-Mughalgarhi village, and the victims included men, women, and children. An FIR has been registered against the organisers, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. The event has sparked a wave of grief and shock in India, and all the victims are being treated at nearby hospitals in Hathras and Etah districts.
Hathras Stampede: A Tragic Loss of Life
Background:
The Hathras district in Uttar Pradesh, India, has witnessed a series of tragic events in recent times. In 2020, a young Dalit woman was brutally gang-raped and murdered in the district, sparking widespread outrage and protests. Now, another tragedy has befallen Hathras, resulting in the loss of 121 lives.
The Stampede:
On September 19, 2021, a stampede occurred at a religious function in Fulrai-Mughalgarhi village in the Hathras district. The incident took place during a satsang (religious gathering) at a temple, attended by a large number of devotees. As the crowd surged forward, it led to a stampede, causing widespread panic and chaos.
At least 121 people, including men, women, and children, were killed in the stampede, while several others sustained injuries. Many of the victims were rushed to nearby hospitals in Hathras and Etah districts for treatment.
Causes and Investigation:
The exact cause of the stampede is still under investigation. Police have registered an FIR against the organizers of the event for negligence and are looking into the possibility of overcrowding and inadequate crowd management.
Response and Aftermath:
The Hathras stampede has sent shockwaves across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. The state government has announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What caused the stampede in Hathras? The exact cause is still under investigation, but overcrowding and inadequate crowd management are believed to be contributing factors.
2. How many people died in the stampede? At least 121 people died in the stampede.
3. Are the victims getting medical treatment? Yes, the victims are being treated at nearby hospitals in Hathras and Etah districts.
4. What is the government's response to the tragedy? The government has announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
5. Has there been a similar tragedy in Hathras before? Yes, in 2020, a young Dalit woman was brutally gang-raped and murdered in the Hathras district, sparking widespread outrage and protests.
Conclusion:
The Hathras stampede is a tragic event that has left a deep scar on the community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of proper crowd management and safety precautions at public gatherings. The government and organizers must take necessary steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Eight people have been killed and numerous others injured after a passenger train collided with a goods train in Chhattisgarh. The accident occurred in the afternoon, halting train services on the route and prompting the cancellation or diversion of multiple trains. Emergency teams have been dispatched to the scene, with rescue operations ongoing and medical treatment being provided to the injured passengers. Helpline numbers have been issued for convenience, and the railway authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to assist those affected by the tragedy.
Today, 5 November 2025, marks the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. As we celebrate this sacred and highly revered festival, let us remember and spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which promote compassion, humility, and love for all. To commemorate this occasion, indianexpress.com has compiled heartfelt wishes and messages to share with friends and family, wishing everyone endless happiness, peace, and prosperity.
During the Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave, PM Modi announced the launch of the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund. This fund, under the Department of Science and Technology, aims to encourage private sector investments in R&D to drive India's vision of becoming an innovation-driven nation. With this fund, India's R&D expenditure has doubled in the last decade and the country now has the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. PM Modi also highlighted how India's domestic capability has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its successful digital public infrastructure.
A stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh has left 10 dead and two injured. The temple had recently reopened and was experiencing high footfall due to a festival. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has ordered a thorough investigation into the causes of the tragedy and has promised strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
India and the United States have strengthened their already strong ties by signing a 10-year framework for their major defense partnership. The agreement, signed during a bilateral meeting between the two countries' defense ministers, emphasizes the importance of this partnership in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This marks a significant step in solidifying the bond between India and the US in the defense sector.
In preparation for a major tri-service military drill, India has issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) for the entire northeastern region that borders China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The first set of exercises will commence in November and continue through January, signaling enhanced operational readiness for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This move is significant as the Northeast remains a sensitive theater, making up the boundary with four countries, including China. The upcoming IAF exercises aim to strengthen India's air dominance, effectively preparing for any potential challenges along the western frontier with Pakistan.
India will conduct a 10-day military exercise in Rajasthan and Gujarat involving the Army, Air Force, and Navy to showcase its operational readiness following Operation Sindoor earlier this year. The exercise, announced through a NOTAM, features advanced military technologies and emphasises the integration of speed, firepower, and precision in desert warfare conditions. It comes amidst heightened tensions with Pakistan and a renewed focus on maintaining military readiness along the border.
Jammu and Kashmir police have filed an FIR against a group of Christian missionaries in Kathua district for allegedly attempting religious conversions through financial incentives. This comes after a video surfaced online showing the missionaries being attacked and their vehicle vandalized by villagers. The incident has sparked outrage and protests from local Hindu groups, demanding action against the accused missionaries. One accused, Ravindra Singh Thela, has been arrested while the main accused, Vivek Soni, is still at large. The police have also suspended eight personnel for failing to stop the attack.
US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has revealed that he hopes his Hindu-raised wife, Usha Vance, will eventually embrace Christianity. However, he clarifies that their interfaith marriage is built on mutual respect and understanding, and that Usha has complete freedom of choice in matters of faith. The couple has found a balanced way to manage their interfaith household, with their children attending a Christian school and given the choice to be baptized.
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal with China "pretty soon" after a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. In addition to announcing lower tariffs on Chinese imports, Trump also stated that the issue over US access to rare earths has been resolved. However, there has been no official response from Beijing and the final decision on the sale of Chinese-owned TikTok's US operations is still pending. Analysts see these developments as a breakthrough in the ongoing trade tensions between the two countries. Our correspondents provide insight on the discussions between the two leaders and speculate on why Xi may have felt confident walking into the meeting.