Baghpat, 28 January 2025: Seven people lost their lives and around 60 were injured after a wooden structure collapsed during a religious gathering in Baghpat’s Baraut city on Tuesday morning.
The tragedy occurred at Shri Digambar Jain Degree College ground on Gandhi Road during a programme dedicated to the ‘Abhishek’ of Lord Adinath, part of the Jain community’s Moksha Kalyanak Nirvana Mahotsav.
The incident adhered at approximately 8 a.m. when the wooden stairs of a 65-foot temporary stage in the Maanstambh Complex gave way, causing dozens of devotees to fall from the structure, police reported.
District Magistrate Asmita Lal initially stated that five individuals died on-site, but Additional District Magistrate Pankaj Verma later confirmed two more fatalities during treatment, raising the death toll to seven.
Officials said 20 of the injured were discharged after receiving first aid, while 39 continue to receive medical care.
Some attendees, however, alleged that injured victims were forced to rely on e-rickshaws for transport to hospitals as no ambulances were available.
Eyewitnesses also claimed that the structure collapsed due to the excessive weight of the crowd, bringing out the absence of effective crowd control measures.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences over the loss of lives and directed district officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
He also extended his wishes for their speedy recovery. Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya confirmed that the organisers had obtained permission for the event and stated, “We are investigating the incident.”
The collapse triggered panic at the venue, causing a near stampede-like situation before police restored order.
Critics, however, questioned the preparedness of authorities and alleged administrative negligence.
The SP media cell commented on X, claiming, “Due to negligence, there was no monitoring of crowd control at the religious festival, leading to this tragedy.”
Samajwadi Party leaders sharply criticized the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government. They accused the Yogi Adityanath administration of prioritizing religious spectacles over public safety.
“Accidents often happen at such events due to a lack of safety arrangements. This government is indifferent to the lives of devotees,” a party statement said, adding allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
Authorities assured a detailed investigation into the incident and pledged action against any lapses found during the probe.