Assam: Chaos erupts at viral "Patta Baba's" camp in Sribhumi after stampede leaves several injured

A massive crowd gathered in Ramkrishnanagar’s Garerband area on Saturday, September 13 as thousands flocked to collect what are popularly believed to be “healing leaves” from a local spiritual figure known as Patta Baba. The rush to obtain the leaves led to chaotic scenes, with estimates suggesting that nearly 50,000 people assembled at the site.

The overwhelming crowd resulted in a stampede-like situation, forcing authorities to step in. A large contingent of police and paramilitary forces was deployed to bring the situation under control.

Karimganj Deputy Commissioner, who later visited the spot, held a meeting with local residents. Following the discussions, it was decided to temporarily suspend the distribution of the leaves for several days. The administration also announced the formation of a management committee to streamline the process and ensure adequate arrangements for devotees traveling from distant areas. Furthermore, a cap has been imposed, limiting leaf distribution to no more than 3,000 people per day.

Officials highlighted that a similar situation unfolded earlier in the week when nearly 20,000 people had gathered to receive the leaves, again leading to unruly scenes that required heavy police presence.

Despite the administrative restrictions, the faith of the devotees remains unwavering. Many continue to arrive with patients in ambulances, on wheelchairs, and even carrying them in their arms, claiming that consuming Baba’s leaves has brought them recovery from various ailments. Baba himself has asserted that the leaves are beneficial in treating certain illnesses, fueling the growing influx of followers.

The district administration has urged people to remain calm and cooperate with the measures, stressing that crowd management is necessary to avoid untoward incidents.