CM Yogi says none will be spared, orders judicial inquiry led by a retired High Court judge into Hathras tragedy
HATHRAS, Uttar Pradesh, July 3 (The CONNECT) – UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said those responsible for the Hathras stampede that claimed 121 lives so far will be brought to book, emphasizing that no one will be spared.
Addressing newsmen after inspecting the site and meeting with the injured during his visit to Hathras, CM Yogi announced a judicial inquiry led by a retired High Court judge into the incident to ensure justice.
He noted that the internal arrangements for the event were managed by the sevadars (volunteers), while the administration provided police arrangements outside. However, the sevadars fled immediately after the accident, failing to arrange hospital transport for the injured, Yogi pointed out.
To investigate the incident further, an SIT has been formed under the chairmanship of ADG Agra, and a preliminary report has already been submitted, he informed.
CM Yogi emphasized the necessity of probing various aspects of the incident. Responding to questions about the absence of an FIR against Bhole Baba, he explained that the initial FIR is against those who sought permission for the event, and the investigation will expand to hold all responsible parties accountable.
CM Yogi stated, “A tragic and painful incident occurred in a village in Sikandrarao tehsil of Hathras district on Tuesday. The government promptly initiated measures to investigate the incident thoroughly. The accident claimed the lives of 121 devotees from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. ”
CM Yogi explained, “During conversations, the seriously injured individuals recounted that the accident occurred when the storyteller’s convoy arrived on GT Road after the programme. A group of women approached him to touch his feet, followed by a crowd, which led to a stampede. The sevadars (volunteers) also pushed the people, resulting in the accident on both sides of GT Road.”
He explained “The most tragic aspect was that the sevadars, who usually prevent the administration from entering such programs, tried to suppress the incident immediately after it happened. However, when the administration began transporting the injured to the hospital, most sevadars fled the scene.”
CM Yogi stated further, “Our initial action has been to conduct relief and rescue operations, followed by summoning the organizers for questioning. They will be interrogated regarding the causes of the incident, and accountability for any negligence will be determined. We cannot dismiss this incident simply as an accident. If it is indeed an accident, we must identify those responsible. If it is not an accident, we need to uncover any conspiracies involved.”
CM Yogi emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into these matters, ensuring accountability for those who endanger innocent lives. He announced plans to support the education of minor children affected by the accident under the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Bal Seva Yojana, regardless of their current school or institution.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Meanwhile, the SDM of Sikandrarao has submitted his investigation report on the Hathras accident to the DM of Hathras. The report states that over 200,000 devotees were in the pandal during the Satsang. After the Satsang ended, the crowd surged forward to have a darshan of Narayan Sakar Hari (Bhole Baba) and touch his feet.
When the devotees rushed towards his vehicle, Bhole Baba and his personal security personnel (Black Commandos) and sevadars began pushing and shoving the crowd. This caused some people to fall. The crowd then moved towards the open field in front of the event venue, where people slipped and fell due to the slope while descending from the road to the field.
Unable to get back up, the fallen were trampled as the crowd scattered. Many women, men, and children were killed or seriously injured. The injured were immediately transported to nearby hospitals and community health centres by police security personnel using ambulances and other available means.
