Stampede-like scene at Congress marathon in UP

A stamped-like situation was reported in a 'women marathon' organised by the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly on Tuesday. The event was organised by the party under its 'Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon' (I am a girl and I can fight) poll campaign in UP, where assembly elections are due this year. The slogan was coined by party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Videos have emerged from the site, which show some girls tripping and falling to the ground while running in the marathon. Those coming from behind had to suddenly stop, leading to more participants falling down.

Some of the participants have received injuries. The participants were also seen without masks, despite rising coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases.

Reacting to the mishap, Congress leader and former Bareilly mayor Supriya Aron said there is nothing to worry. "When a stampede can happen in Vaishno Devi, these are just girls. It is human nature. But I want to apologise."

She further said that it could also be a conspiracy against the Congress, due to its increasing mass base ahead of the elections.

At least three participants have been sent to hospital after getting injured in the stampede-like situation. The police have reached the spot and started investigation.