PM expresses sorrow over Hathras stampede, announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for next of kin of dead

PTI, Jul 2, 2024, 7:42 PM IST

Source: PTI / File

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound sorrow over the stampede in Hathras and announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

The stampede occurred during a religious congregation at a ‘satsang’ event in Uttar Pradesh’s Pulrai village where a large number of people had gathered.

More than 50 people were killed and several others injured in the stampede.

Amidst his reply to a two-day debate on the motion of thanks on the President’s address to both Houses of Parliament, Modi condoled the death.

“In the midst of discussions, I have also been given sad news. It has come to my attention that there have been many tragic deaths in the stampede in Hathras, UP,” PM Modi said in Lok Sabha.

“I express my condolences to those who lost their lives in this incident. I hope for the speedy recovery of all the injured,” he said.

The prime minister said senior officials of the central government are in constant contact with the Uttar Pradesh administration to coordinate aid efforts.

“Through this forum, I assure everyone that all possible assistance will be provided to the victims,” he said.

The PM Office (PMO) announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Hathras.

“The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the PMO said in a post on X.

Senior officials reported that among the deceased were 23 women, three children and a man. Reports from the scene indicated that victims, either deceased or unconscious, were transported to medical facilities in Sikandara Rao.

Hathras MP Anoop Pradhan told PTI Videos outside Parliament that this is an extremely unfortunate incident.

“I have spoken with our district officer, the district’s legislator and the superintendent of police. There is no exact figure yet, but many people have tragically died and many others are injured. They are being treated in nearby hospitals,” Pradhan said.