Hathras Stampede: UP govt suspends 6 officials for ‘negligence’ as SIT report flags ’big conspiracy’

Hathras stampede: In the aftermath of the report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday in the Hathras stampede case, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has suspended six officials for 'negligence' in performing their duties. 

The action comes after the SIT, probing the tragic July 2 incident that killed 121 people, mainly women and children, recommended action against these officials. Further, the SIT report also mentioned that it could not rule out a ‘bigger conspiracy’ behind the incident. 

The tragic Hathras stampede took place at the ‘satsang’ of self-styled godman Suraj Pal, alias Bhole Baba, in Fulari village, Uttar Pradesh. The tragic incident occurred as the Baba was leaving, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. 

Hathras Stampede: 6 officials suspended

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken swift action by suspending six officials, including the Sub-District Magistrate (SDM), Circle Officer (CO), Tehsildar, Station Officer, and two Chowki Incharges of Sikandrarao.

This decision is in response to the preliminary findings of the SIT report submitted on Tuesday, which identified negligence on the part of these officials in performing their duties.

The SIT report highlighted that the SDM granted the event's permission without venue inspection or informing higher authorities, implicating the programme organiser, local police, and administration at the tehsil level for their role in the unfortunate incident.

Hathras Stampede: Big conspiracy

A tragic stampede occurred at the 'satsang' of self-styled godman Surajpal alias Narayan Saakar Hari alias Bhole Baba, resulting in 121 fatalities.

Initial investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) have primarily blamed event organisers for the incident, citing eyewitness testimony and supporting evidence.

However, the SIT has not ruled out the possibility of a larger conspiracy and has emphasised the necessity of a comprehensive inquiry. “The SIT did not rule out any big conspiracy behind the incident and has stated the need for a thorough investigation,” officials said.

In a surprising twist, the godman's lawyer alleged on July 6 that the stampede was triggered by a “poisonous substance” sprayed by unidentified individuals, suggesting a potentially sinister motive behind the tragedy.

Hathras Stampede: Accused

Devprakash Madhukar, the main accused in the Hathras stampede incident, was sent to 14 days of judicial custody after being produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court last week.

Madhukar was absconding, and the police had announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to his arrest.

Police apprehended Madhukar on July 5 in the national capital, Delhi. According to the police, two other accused, Ramprakash Shakya and Sanju Yadav, have also been arrested in this case.