The tragic stampede at a religious congregation in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, which claimed the lives of at least 116 people and injured over 200 others, has sparked a wave of condolences and demands for a thorough investigation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, assuring all necessary assistance to the victims. Leaders from across India, including Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures at public gatherings.
International envoys from Germany, China, France, Singapore, and Israel also mourned the loss of lives, extending their sympathies to the bereaved families. Political leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav called for sensitive handling of the situation and proper investigation into the causes of the stampede while demanding accountability from the authorities. The incident, occurring during a ‘Satsang’ organized by a self-styled godman, has underscored critical concerns over crowd management and safety protocols during large-scale events, prompting widespread public outcry and grief across the nation.