"We have confirmed 87 deaths so far and are focusing on providing relief and medical assistance to the injured," Aligarh divisional commissioner Chaitra V. told reporters.
The 'satsang' of Lord Shiva, organized by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee, was being held at Ratibhanpur, where a large crowd had gathered there to listen to religious preacher Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba.
The injured and deceased were taken to hospitals in both Hathras and the neighboring Etah district.
According to local sources, the stampede occurred at the conclusion of the event when some people tried to leave the pandal amid the wet conditions while others tried to push them back, leading to confusion and chaos.
Sources added that Bhole Baba's servants reportedly stopped people from leaving the venue amid the heat and humidity, so that the preacher and his entourage could leave first.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the family members of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident.
The Chief Minister's Office has sought a detailed report on the 'satsang' organisers, stating that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
Senior officials, including Agra deputy general manager Aparna Kulshretra, reached the incident site to supervise the rescue operations.
Additional police officers have also been called in from neighboring districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Yogi Adityanath about the tragic incident.
"The UP government is committed to providing all possible help to all the victims. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this. Also, I wish speedy recovery to all the injured," he posted on X after the phone call.
Reacting to the tragic incident, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav criticized the state government for not taking enough security measures for the religious congregation.
"We were inside the Parliament when we received information about the tragic incident. How can so many people die? What was the state government doing? If such a big gathering was planned, the government should have taken appropriate measures right from the beginning of the meeting "The state government is responsible for this and should now help the families of the victims and take care of the injured," Akhilesh Yadav said after leaving Parliament.
The 'satsang' of Lord Shiva, organized by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee, was being held at Ratibhanpur, where a large crowd had gathered there to listen to religious preacher Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba.
The injured and deceased were taken to hospitals in both Hathras and the neighboring Etah district.
According to local sources, the stampede occurred at the conclusion of the event when some people tried to leave the pandal amid the wet conditions while others tried to push them back, leading to confusion and chaos.
Sources added that Bhole Baba's servants reportedly stopped people from leaving the venue amid the heat and humidity, so that the preacher and his entourage could leave first.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the family members of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident.
The Chief Minister's Office has sought a detailed report on the 'satsang' organisers, stating that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
Senior officials, including Agra deputy general manager Aparna Kulshretra, reached the incident site to supervise the rescue operations.
Additional police officers have also been called in from neighboring districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Yogi Adityanath about the tragic incident.
"The UP government is committed to providing all possible help to all the victims. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this. Also, I wish speedy recovery to all the injured," he posted on X after the phone call.
Reacting to the tragic incident, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav criticized the state government for not taking enough security measures for the religious congregation.
"We were inside the Parliament when we received information about the tragic incident. How can so many people die? What was the state government doing? If such a big gathering was planned, the government should have taken appropriate measures right from the beginning of the meeting "The state government is responsible for this and should now help the families of the victims and take care of the injured," Akhilesh Yadav said after leaving Parliament.
