The stampede that occurred in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, following the conclusion of a religious congregation on Tuesday (July 02) has shocked the nation, claiming the lives of a hundred and twenty-one people and leaving hundreds injured. Such incidents not only highlight administrative negligence and irresponsibility but also expose the rampant display of ostentation, superstition, and hypocrisy in the name of religion. Tragedies like these not only reveal the callous exploitation by fraudulent babas but also tarnish the reputation of Hinduism itself, by associating such self-proclaimed spiritual leaders with the faith without scrutiny. This incident raises numerous questions. Why were security measures overlooked at such a large-scale event? Whose authority allowed such a massive gathering without adequate arrangements? Were safety standards followed? Shouldn't there have been adequate exits, water, air, medical facilities, and medical personnel to prevent heat-related incidents Accountability must be established for the loss of lives in this stampede. Clearly, efforts to manipulate public sentiment and point fingers at each other politically are already underway. It is certain that the business of such babas cannot thrive without the tacit consent of politicians. The incident occurred during a one-day religious congregation led by Bhole Baba near Pulrai village, close to Sikandrarao in Hathras. The discrepancies surrounding this baba are numerous. This baba, dressed in white robes and a tie, gave discourses while wearing shoes. How much knowledge does this baba have of the Vedas and Puranas? What tradition does he belong to? Who are his gurus? These are many questions that cast doubt and suspicion on the baba. How can he be called a Hindu baba? Where does Hinduism allow this?
Here, it is worth mentioning that this baba was previously in the police service and owns a magnificent and palatial ashram in Mainpuri. After the incident, the baba is on the run, and the police are searching for him. India is facing a flood of such fraudulent babas, who deceive and mislead innocent people. Such incidents not only cause public harm but also defame the country and the religion. It is a terrifying and insensitive reality that we do not learn any lessons from such past incidents related to religion and spirituality. Even in recent days, incidents of stampedes during crowded religious events have increased. It is natural to question how such incidents amidst crowds can be prevented. Two years ago, twelve pilgrims died in a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. In 2016, twenty-four people died in a stampede in Varanasi. In 2022 at Khatu Shyam, three people died in a stampede in the crowd. In Indore last year, thirty-five people died from a rooftop collapse on Ram Navami. Similarly, in 2016, a fire at a temple in Kerala's Kollam killed 108 people and injured many. In Amritsar, during Dussehra, sixty people died after being crushed by a train while watching Ravana's burning. In India, seventy per cent of stampedes occur during religious events. It is a matter of concern that neither the public learns anything nor the administration from these horrific incidents. It is surprising that no one made an effort to see if there were adequate arrangements to control the crowd. Usually, it seems that in such cases, there is little action taken in the name of accountability. Consequently, such incidents continue to occur, often resulting in a significant number of devotees losing their lives. It is hoped the administration would now learn a lesson.
By Deepak Kumar Rath
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