Fatal Incident During Nirvana Laddu Parv Celebrations in Baraut
Minority Watch, Baghpat— A devastating incident occurred on Tuesday (January 28) morning in Baraut town, Uttar Pradesh, where at least seven people were killed and more than 50 others injured, including 11 police officers, after a wooden structure collapsed during the Nirvana Laddu Parv celebrations of the Jain community. The tragedy struck at around 7:15 a.m. at the Digamber Jain Degree College, where devotees had gathered to honor Bhagwan Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jainism.
Cause of Collapse: Weak Wooden Structure to Blame?
The incident took place as devotees were preparing to offer laddoos (sweets) at the feet of a 51-foot-high statue of Adinath. The wooden structure, erected annually to mark the festival, suddenly gave way, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven individuals and injuring dozens more. District Magistrate Asmita Lal confirmed the initial death toll of five and reported that at least 40 people were injured, with 20 sent home after receiving first aid.
According to eyewitness reports, the collapse occurred while the platform was crowded with devotees eager to touch the feet of the deity. Some believe that weak wooden pillars supporting the structure may have contributed to the disaster.
Injured Devotees and Police Officers Rushed to Hospitals
Among the injured, several police officers who were on duty to maintain order during the festival were severely affected. Seven individuals with serious injuries are currently in the ICU at Aastha Hospital in Baraut, while others have been admitted to hospitals in nearby towns, including Meerut and New Delhi. Due to a shortage of ambulances, some victims were transported to hospitals on e-rickshaws.
Local authorities have stated that the total number of injuries could rise as the investigation continues. Police personnel were quickly dispatched to manage the crowd after the incident turned into a stampede-like situation.
Jain Community Shocked by the Tragedy
The Nirvana Laddu Parv, held annually since 1999, commemorates the salvation of Bhagwan Adinath, the founder of Jainism. This year’s event had drawn large crowds of devotees who had gathered to make offerings at the Digamber Jain Degree College. While the festival is typically celebrated peacefully, this year’s tragedy has cast a shadow over the community.
Ashok Kumar Jain, vice president of the Bhaktamar Prachar Sangathan, expressed his shock at the incident, acknowledging that the structure had received necessary approvals and a no-objection certificate before the event. Despite this, the collapse raised questions about the safety of the wooden pillars that supported the structure.
Government Orders Inquiry and Compensation for Victims
Following the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his condolences to the victims’ families and instructed local authorities to provide immediate medical care to the injured. District officials have launched an inquiry into the cause of the collapse, with Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya vowing to hold those responsible accountable.
Local leaders, including Amit Rai Jain, an office-bearer of the Jain Samaj Samiti, have called for government compensation, requesting Rs 1 crore for the families of the deceased and Rs 20 lakh for the injured.
Recurring Safety Lapses During Major Religious Events
The deadly collapse highlights ongoing challenges related to crowd management during religious festivals in India. Similar incidents have occurred in the past due to safety lapses and inadequate planning. Last year, over 100 people were killed in a stampede during a religious event in Uttar Pradesh, and other tragic accidents, such as a deadly fireworks explosion in Kerala in 2016, have further underscored the risks associated with large gatherings.
Authorities have promised to review safety protocols to prevent future tragedies during major religious events.
Community Leaders Demand Support and Accountability
As the Jain community grieves the loss of its members, calls for justice and support have intensified. Leaders of the Jain Samaj Samiti are urging the government to step in and provide necessary compensation and assistance to the victims. As investigations unfold, officials are working to ensure that the injured receive the medical attention they need and that the individuals responsible for the disaster face appropriate consequences.
