Hathras Stampede: According to a report released on Tuesday by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into the stampede in Hathras, which has recorded 119 statements, the organization responsible for organizing the ‘Satsang’ invited more people than was allowed. 119 persons, including injured devotees and families of the deceased, had testimony recorded in the roughly 300-page report.
Overcrowding and Negligence Cited as Causes of Stampede
Sources claim that the investigation suggested that the rush was caused by the committee in charge of planning the religious event known as “Satsang.” In addition to inviting more individuals than was allowed, the committee neglected to make sufficient plans, and even though permission was granted, the authorities neglected to inspect the location.
Along with the police officers on duty for the July 2 satsang, the SIT also recorded testimony from DM Hathras Ashish Kumar, SP Nipun Agarwal, SDM, and CO Sikandrarao, who had granted permission for the satsang. In attendance were Aligarh commissioner Chaitra V and ADG Agra zone Anupam Kulshreshtha. The government has received the report. An eyewitness to the event stated earlier on Monday that a big number of devotees trying to gather “Baba’s charan dust” was what started the stampede.
Key Officials Testify Before SIT on Hathras Stampede
The SIT recorded testimony from DM Hathras Ashish Kumar, SP Nipun Agarwal, SDM, and CO Sikandrarao, who had given permission for the satsang, in addition to the police personnel on duty during the July 2 satsang.
ADG Agra zone Anupam Kulshreshtha and Aligarh commissioner Chaitra V were present. The report has been given to the government. An eyewitness to the incident claimed early on Monday that the stampede was sparked by a large group of devotees attempting to collect “Baba’s charan dust”.
Madhukar Denies Involvement in Publicity Amid Legal Scrutiny
The judge asked him if he had formal consent for the function and who gave it. In response, Madhukar stated that he had authorization from the SDM to host an event for 80,000 people. In response to a question regarding publicity, Madhukar denied any involvement. Madhukar had been evading authorities, and a ₹1 lakh reward was declared for information that would result in his capture. On July 5, he was ultimately taken into custody in the nation’s capital.
The police also reported that Sanju Yadav and Ramprakash Shakya, two more accused, were taken into custody. “Bhole Baba” declared in a video statement earlier on July 6 that “those who created the chaos will not be spared.” Suraj Pal, also known as Narayan Sakar Hari, is a self-proclaimed godman who expressed his sorrow and condoled the deaths brought about by the incident.