Dev Prakash Madhukar, the central figure implicated in the Hathras stampede incident, has faced removal from his position as a technical assistant overseeing MGNREGA projects across 20 panchayats in Sheetalpur block, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.
Madhukar had held this contract position since 2010.
Block Development Officer Dinesh Sharma of Sheetalpur initiated Madhukar’s removal and contract termination process upon identifying him as the primary accused in the FIR related to the stampede.
The Hathras police have placed a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on Madhukar, who is currently evading arrest, with a non-bailable warrant issued against him.
Inspector General of Police, Aligarh range, Shalabh Mathur, confirmed Madhukar’s status as absconding during a press conference at Hathras police lines.
Madhukar, also known for his involvement in organizing events for self-styled godman Suraj Pal alias Bhole Baba, had recently sought permission for the ill-fated satsang where the stampede occurred.
Madhukar’s responsibilities included verifying bills and vouchers for MGNREGA projects in Sheetalpur block, while his wife serves as a panchayat assistant.
They reside in Sikandra Rau town, Hathras.
Despite his community ties and previous involvement in local elections, Madhukar’s association with the satsang event has drawn significant scrutiny, with approximately 30 attendees from his village affected by the tragic incident in Hathras.
The search for Madhukar continues as authorities intensify efforts to apprehend him and investigate further into the circumstances surrounding the Hathras stampede.
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