Six arrested for panic in northern India

(VOVWORLD) – Indian police said on Thursday they had arrested six people (four men and two women) in connection with the tragic stampede that took place in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, which left 121 people dead and many injured.

All six arrested are said to be aides of self-styled godman Suraj Pal Singh. According to the Uttar Pradesh state police, when the incident occurred during a Hindu ceremony in the city of Hathras, about 200 km southeast of New Delhi, all six people fled the scene.

The stampede is India’s worst tragedy in more than a decade. The main cause is believed to be the number of participants, about 250,000 people, three times the permitted number.

According to police reports, the incident broke out after the sermon ended, with the crowd of worshippers trying to approach the stage to touch preacher Suraj Pal Singh (also known as “Bhole Baba”) as he came down from the podium.

Other sources said the intense sandstorm caused panic as people fled the scene, with many trampled or falling on themselves, and some falling into roadside drains.