Hathras stampede: 6 officials suspended for negligence, report cites mismanagement

-, Jul 09, 2024, India Blooms News Service192

Hathras/IBNS: Six officials have been suspended for the alleged negligence leading to the fatal stampede during a Satsang (prayer meet) in Uttar Pradeshs Hathras last week, media reports said.

Six officials suspended include the district official, who permitted self-styled godman Bhole Babas Satsang where 121 people died in the stampede.

The SIT report, which is given to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, states the organisers and local officials including police failed to make necessary arrangements.

The stampede occurred during a satsang (prayer meeting) which was attended by hundreds.

Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee hosted the religious event.

A case has been reportedly filed against the organisers of the event.

The organisers have been charged under sections 105, 110, 126 (2), 223, and 238 of the countrys new criminal code Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Bhole Baba, whose real name is Suraj Pal Singh, has not been named as an accused.

However, Dev Prakash Madhukar, the main accused, has been arrested. He was a close aide of self-styled godman Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba.

The self-styled religious leader was reportedly a former UP police staffer.

He took voluntary retirement in 1990 to pursue his spiritual journey.