India is in mourning and outrage following the tragic death of 121 people during a religious ceremony in Uttar Pradesh. The stampede, which occurred on Tuesday, July 2, during an event organized by Hindu religious leader Bhole Baba, has left many families searching for their missing loved ones.

The tragic event took place in Hathras district when a large crowd gathered for a religious ceremony led by Bhole Baba. According to police reports, the stampede was triggered by the massive turnout, far exceeding the expected numbers. The authorities had allowed 80,000 people to attend, but over 250,000 people showed up, overwhelming the venue.

Eyewitness Yogesh Yadav recounted the chaos, explaining that the stampede began when Bhole Baba was leaving the stage after prayers. Many women tried to follow him, leading to a rush toward the main road. In the commotion, several women fell into a nearby drain, causing others to topple over them.

The scene was marked by torn clothes and abandoned shoes, grim reminders of the disaster. The organizers of the event are now facing legal action, with a case filed against them for failing to ensure adequate security measures.

In the immediate aftermath, numerous political leaders visited the site, and a significant police presence was noted. The incident has highlighted serious concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at large public gatherings.

Most of the victims were women, as confirmed by the police. At the main hospital in Aligarh, the neighboring city, many people are anxiously waiting for the bodies of their deceased relatives. The overwhelmed hospital staff are doing their best to manage the influx of patients and grieving families.

Bhole Baba, while not widely known outside the region, is reportedly very popular in Hathras district. This incident has cast a shadow over his following and raised questions about the responsibilities of religious leaders in organizing large-scale events.

The tragedy has sparked a national conversation about the need for better planning and safety measures at public events to prevent such devastating incidents in the future. As investigations continue, the country mourns the loss and prays for the injured and the families of the victims.