The Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with probing the tragic Hathras stampede, which claimed the lives of at least 121 individuals, has submitted its comprehensive report to the Uttar Pradesh government.
Prepared by Additional DG (Agra Zone) Anupam Kulshreshtha and Aligarh commissioner Chaitra V, the report delves into various facets of the incident, including potential political links associated with ‘Bhole Baba’.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had promptly ordered the SIT inquiry following the devastating stampede.
The report meticulously sought statements from 125 individuals, including administrative officials, event organisers, and volunteers (sevadars), aiming to ascertain the causes behind the deadly stampede.
Sources familiar with the report indicate that it identifies political leaders who maintained significant associations with ‘Bhole Baba’ during elections, along with other pertinent connections.
The report highlights the involvement of Dev Prakash Madhukar, the primary accused, in fundraising activities linked to the event through political parties.
It also addresses concerns over the permissions granted for the event, which allegedly exceeded the actual attendance by a significant margin.
In response to the findings, CM Adityanath has initiated a judicial inquiry led by retired high court judge Brijesh Kumar Srivastava, supported by retired IAS officer Hemant Rao and retired IPS officer Bhavesh Kumar Singh as members.
The judicial panel has been mandated to conclude its investigation and submit its findings within two months.
The SDM had granted permission for only 80,000 attendees at the godman’s satsang. However, reportedly, over 2.5 lakh people attended the event.
Allegations surfaced that sevadars solely managed the event, with notably absent police presence in the area.
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