Hathras Stampede: 6 district officials suspended by Yogi Govt even as ‘Bhole Baba’ stays incognito

Six Uttar Pradesh district officials have been suspended by Yogi Adityanath’s Government on Tuesday over Hathras stampede, following the SIT report that found lapses on part of the officials. The newly constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) in its report to the Government had been critical of the Sub Divisional Magistrate- SDM Sikandra Rao, who had allowed ‘godman’ Narayan Sakaal Hari alias Bhole Baba’s satsang in Hathras on July 2, without inspecting the venue. The SDM has been suspended along with Sikandra Rao Circle officer (CO), Tehsildar, SHO and police incharge of two police chowki- Kachora and Pora for negligence in performing their duties.

The SIT report has claimed the SDM never cared to inform his superiors about the event where such a turn out was anticipated. At least 121 people have died in the stampede that broke out after the prayer meeting ended and as the ‘godman’ was making his way out of the venue. So far nine people have been arrested by the police, mostly the organisers who never sought the required police permission for an event that was attended by over two lakh people. The SIT has been equally critical of the role of the local police claiming they “failed to make adequate arrangements…They did not take the event seriously”.

The report has claimed ‘overcrowding’ was the main reason behind the stampede and the organisers possibly underplayed the estimated turnout to by-pass certain restrictions and thus quoted 80,000 before the local ;police. The actual turn out, according to several estimates had been more than 2.5 lakh. The report hasn’t ruled out the aspect of any conspiracy, as was apprehended by CM Yogi Adityanath, but has left it as subject to further investigations.

On the other hand Narayan Hari alias ‘Bhole Baba’ is yet to make a public appearance since the tragedy. He had recently issued a statement calling the incident unfortunate while urging people not to lose faith on the government and investigation. His statement came amidst growing chorus if accountability should also be fixed on ‘Bhole Baba’ with victims alleging apathy on his part.