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A tragic stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in the deaths of at least 107 people, mostly women. The incident occurred during a 'satsang' led by religious preacher Bhole Baba, where overcrowding and suffocation are believed to have triggered the chaos.

Political reactions and Government response

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav criticized the state government's preparedness, questioning why adequate measures weren't in place to ensure the safety of attendees. He emphasized the government's responsibility in such situations and urged for the best possible treatment for the injured.

In response, various political leaders including BSP chief Mayawati and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate expressed condolences and called for thorough investigations into the incident. They stressed the need for accountability and support for the families affected by the tragedy.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as attendees rushed out of the venue after the conclusion of the religious congregation. Police officials and investigators are examining whether overcrowding exacerbated by hot and humid conditions contributed to the stampede. Reports indicate that people began falling and being crushed in the rush to exit, leading to tragic fatalities.

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Authorities, including District Magistrate Ashish Kumar, highlighted that the event was organized as a private function with permission granted by local authorities. They underscored the ongoing investigation to determine the exact causes and sequence of events that led to the stampede.

Calls for non-politicization and support

While political figures like AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi called for a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, BJP MP Anoop Pradhan cautioned against politicizing the tragedy. He emphasized the importance of avoiding political maneuvers in times of sorrow and confirmed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's scheduled visit to the site to assess the situation firsthand.

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As the community mourns and investigations continue, the focus remains on providing assistance to the injured and support to the families of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident.