Recently, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi made a poignant visit to meet the victims of the tragic Hathras stampede that claimed the lives of 121 people and left 31 injured on July 2. Displaying empathy and solidarity, Rahul Gandhi first visited Pilakhna village in Aligarh to offer his condolences to the grieving families. Four individuals from Pilakhni village had lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.
This visit marked the first time a senior Opposition leader had journeyed to Aligarh and Hathras following the stampede. Accompanied by Congress party’s Uttar Pradesh President Ajai Rai, in-charge Avinash Pande, party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, and other office bearers, Rahul Gandhi’s presence brought a glimmer of hope to the devastated community.
A member of a bereaved family shared with news agency ANI, “He told us that he would help us with the support of the party. He asked us how everything happened,” reflecting Rahul Gandhi’s compassionate engagement with the affected families.
After his visit to Aligarh, Rahul proceeded to Hathras where the tragic stampede unfolded, aiming to lend his support to the grieving families and comprehend the gravity of the situation.
The stampede occurred during a Satsang hosted by religious preacher Suraj Pal, also known as Narayan Sakar Hari and ‘Bhole Baba’. While an FIR has been filed, the preacher has not been implicated. To date, six event organizers have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Watch as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visits the residence of a victim of the Hathras stampede in Aligarh. pic.twitter.com/zDVJ3ydR9o
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also visited the site of the tragedy, subsequently ordering a judicial inquiry. A three-member Judicial Inquiry Commission under the chairmanship of Justice (retd) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava has been established to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
The Judicial Commission is set to delve into the stampede incident over the next couple of months and furnish its findings to the state government.
Initial reports indicate that the stampede ensued when devotees surged forward to seek blessings and collect soil from around the preacher’s feet. Amidst security measures, a commotion transpired, leading to individuals falling and triggering the fatal stampede.
