Official Blames Godman's Security for Stampede at Hathras Satsang, Over 120 Dead
Hathras SDM alleges that security personnel of godman Narayan Hari 'Bhole Baba' caused the stampede that killed over 120 people at a religious gathering
03-07-2024Hathras Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sikandra Rao, who authorized the satsang where over 120 people died, claimed that the personal security of godman Narayan Hari 'Bhole Baba' might have incited the stampede by pushing some followers.
In a letter to the Hathras District Magistrate, the SDM described how the situation unfolded. As Narayan Hari Sarkar arrived at 12:30 PM and concluded his event an hour later, his followers rushed to catch a glimpse of him and collect soil from around his feet. The SDM explained that many people were already gathered on the divider of GT road and started running towards the godman as he was leaving.
The SDM's report indicated that the godman's security guards and 'sewadars' (volunteers) attempted to control the crowd by pushing some followers, which caused several people to fall and led to panic. This action resulted in the crowd becoming uncontrollable and chaotic.
To escape the crush, people fled towards a nearby open field, which was slippery due to recent rains. Many slipped on the slope, and others trampled over them in their haste to leave the venue. The letter further stated that the water and slush in the field exacerbated the situation, leading to more people falling and being trampled.
An FIR has been filed against the event organizers, but Bhole Baba is not listed among the accused. The 'Mukhya sevadar' (chief volunteer) Devprakash Madhukar, who is currently absconding, has been named in the FIR.
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