OA Hindu religious gathering in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, saw attendance exceeding three times the permitted number, resulting in a stampede that claimed at least 121 lives, mostly women, authorities reported on Wednesday. The event, held about 200 km from New Delhi, was authorized for 80,000 attendees, but approximately 250,000 people participated, according to an initial police report.

The preacher, Suraj Pal Singh, known as 'Bhole Baba', attributed the stampede to "anti-social elements" after the event's conclusion. Police are seeking his whereabouts, while his lawyer refuted claims that the preacher incited the crowd. Most fatalities were due to suffocation, with doctors confirming that among the dead were 112 women and seven children; 31 individuals were injured.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as devotees surged towards the preacher's car, leading to many being crushed. An official at the event reported that attempts to stop the crowd caused more people to fall and be trampled.

State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a judicial inquiry to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for better crowd management protocols at large religious gatherings.