Several envoys express shock, sadness over Hathras stampede tragedy which left 116 people dead

German envoy Philipp Ackermann posted on X: "Deeply saddened about the tragic events in Hathras.My condolences to the families that lost their loved ones.We hope that help quickly reaches the injured."

Chinese envoy Xu Feihong expressed his shock at the loss of lives in the tragedy.

"Shocked and saddened about the tragic events in Hathras, UP. Deeply mourn for the lives lost and extend heartfelt sympathies to victims' families. Wish the injured a speedy recovery," he posted on X.

French ambassador to India Thierry Mathou said: "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives following the tragic stampede in Uttar Pradesh’s #Hathras district."

"France expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and wishes the injured a speedy recovery," he said.

Israeli envoy Naor Gilon said the stampede tragedy in the north Indian state left him deeply saddened.

"Deeply saddened about the loss of lives at the tragic stampede in #Hathras, UP," he wrote on X.

"Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Such incidents are truly heartbreaking," the envoy said.

At least 116 people, including women and three children, were killed after a stampede broke out at a religious event in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras on Tuesday, officials have said.

The stampede occurred during a 'satsang' (prayer meeting) which was attended by hundreds.

Visuals from the Community Health Centre showed several bodies being brought there in buses and tempos in the presence of crying family members.

Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee hosted the religious event.

A case has been reportedly filed against the organisers of the event.

The organisers have been charged under sections 105, 110, 126 (2), 223, and 238 of the country's new criminal code Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Self-styled godman's name emerge

According to reports, the religious event was hosted by a self-styled godman Narayan Saakar Hari aka Bhole Baba.

The self-styled religious leader was reportedly a former UP police staffer.

He took voluntary retirement in 1990 to pursue his spiritual journey.