Synopsis
In the aftermath of a judicial commission clearing Bhole Baba in the Hathras stampede case, grieving families express their discontent and seek clarity on their situation. The report highlights the organizers' accountability and the local administration's negligence.Key Takeaways
- Bhole Baba was exonerated in the Hathras stampede case.
- Families affected by the tragedy are deeply dissatisfied.
- The stampede resulted in 121 deaths, primarily among women.
- The judicial commission cited organizational mismanagement as the primary cause.
- Recommendations were made to improve safety at large events.
Hathras (Uttar Pradesh), Feb 21 (NationPress) Following the judicial commission's decision to exonerate Bhole Baba in the Hathras stampede incident, families mourning their lost loved ones have voiced their profound discontent, asking, “What is our next step?”
In a conversation with IANS, Mukesh Yadav, the attorney for the event organizers, stated, “Approximately 1,500 witnesses were questioned, and they affirmed that Bhole Baba played no part in the stampede. We anticipated his exoneration. There are still others incarcerated who deserve to be released. I am advocating for their bail.”
Vinod Kumar, who tragically lost his mother, told IANS, “The investigators are educated individuals; they must have conducted their inquiries thoroughly. However, I’ve lost my mother -- what options do we have now?”
Kiran Devi, who lost her daughter-in-law during the stampede, expressed her anger to IANS: “This is unjust. Numerous individuals from our village were present at the Satsang. The Baba should not have received a clean chit.”
The judicial commission probing the heartbreaking incident has submitted its conclusive report to the government led by Yogi Adityanath. The stampede, which occurred on July 2, 2024, during a religious gathering, resulted in the deaths of 121 individuals, primarily women, and left many others injured.
The commission's findings were presented to the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, which approved the report for introduction in the House.
As per the report, the primary responsibility for the tragic event lies with the event organizers.
The commission also pointed out significant failures on the part of the local administration and the Uttar Pradesh Police, citing negligence in crowd management and insufficient security measures as contributing factors.
The investigation determined that Bhole Baba, whose actual name is Suraj Pal Singh, had no direct involvement in the stampede, attributing the disaster to the mismanagement by the organizers and administrative bodies.
Several recommendations were made to avert such tragedies in the future, including obligatory police inspections of venues prior to events to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The stampede occurred during a large gathering at Bhole Baba’s religious congregation, which attracted thousands of devotees.
Eyewitnesses had previously reported severe overcrowding and inadequate exit pathways as the primary reasons behind the catastrophic chaos.
The Satsang, organized by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee, took place in Ratibhanpur, where devotees gathered to listen to religious preacher Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba.
The chaos erupted at the conclusion of the event as some attendees attempted to leave the packed 'pandal' amid hot and humid conditions. As others pushed back, confusion and panic escalated, triggering the deadly stampede.
