New Delhi: A sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in Uttar Pradesh, responsible for permitting a ‘prayer meet’ near Hathras hosted by the ‘godman’ Bhole Baba, where a stampede tragically claimed the lives of 121 people, has been suspended. According to an SIT report submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday morning, the SDM neither inspected the venue nor informed his superiors. This action is part of disciplinary measures against six district officials, including a Circle Officer and a Tehsildar, who have been relieved from their duties.
The SIT report also highlighted negligence on the part of organizers and local authorities, including the police, for failing to adequately prepare for the event. It concluded that the seriousness of the situation was not properly recognized, contributing to the tragic outcome. The organizers, deemed “primarily responsible,” have been criticized for involving or hiring individuals without police verification, highlighting their negligence.
Additionally, the report noted a protocol lapse where local police delayed informing their superiors promptly about the stampede and fatalities. The probe team, echoing the concerns of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, suggested the potential for a significant conspiracy and recommended a thorough investigation.
The stampede was triggered by overcrowding.
The SIT, which includes Additional Director General of Police (Agra Zone) Anupam Kulshrestha and Aligarh Divisional Commissioner Chaitra V, also identified overcrowding as the primary cause of the stampede.
Previous police reports indicated that organizers initially anticipated 80,000 attendees at the ‘satsang’, but the final estimated headcount exceeded 2.5 lakh. Police suspect the organizers deliberately downplayed the expected number, potentially to evade stringent regulations and avoid implementing adequate crowd safety measures, which were ultimately insufficiently enforced.
Other reports suggest that this is not the first instance where a ‘prayer meet’ organized for Bhole Baba misled authorities regarding expected attendance. In May 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers sought permission for a rally expected to host 50 people in Farrukhabad district, but the event actually drew over 50,000 attendees.
SIT Investigation Into Hathras Stampede
The report is compiled from statements of 125 individuals, ranging from eyewitnesses and survivors to police and district officials. Additionally, it incorporates scrutiny of news reports, photographs, and video footage.
As of now, six officials, including the SDM who authorized the ‘satsang’, have been suspended, and nine individuals, including the primary organizer, Devprakash Madhukar, have been arrested. Those suspended encompass both police personnel and district officials.
Bhole Baba, also known as Suraj Pal Singh, has not been implicated or interrogated as a suspect.
Unverified reports suggest Bhole Baba, potentially linked to political circles following revelations of funding from certain parties, and his associates might have averted the tragedy.
Single Entry, Exit Point for Crowd of 2.5 Lakh
The police and district officials are facing intense scrutiny following the stampede.
Critics question the absence of safety measures such as designated entry and exit points, as well as the lack of ambulances and medical stations on-site. Emergency exits and evacuation routes were either unavailable or poorly marked, exacerbating the chaos during the stampede.Police accuse the organizers of failing to manage pedestrian and vehicular traffic and of allegedly tampering with evidence after the incident. Today’s report from the probe team accuses organizers of causing disorder and attempting to obstruct police inspections of the venue.
Furthermore, the tents housing Bhole Baba’s followers lacked ventilation. The conduct of his private security guards has also drawn criticism, with allegations that they obstructed people trying to flee so that he could depart safely.
Financial Compensation Offered change the wording news formet
The Chief Minister declared ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
“Our administration will thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible, including any conspirators, face appropriate consequences,” stated Yogi Adityanath following his visit to Hathras.
Hathras Tragedy Reaches Supreme Court
A prominent lawyer has filed a petition requesting a five-member committee, chaired by a retired judge, to investigate the causes of the stampede. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud scheduled a hearing for Friday.
The petitioner also urged the state to provide a status report and pursue legal action against those accountable. The petition called on the Supreme Court to establish necessary guidelines.
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