The tragic Hathras stampede that claimed 121 lives on June 2, 2024, has taken a new turn with the release of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report. The report, spanning nearly 300 pages, has highlighted overcrowding as the primary cause of the disaster while raising the possibility of a “big conspiracy” behind the incident.
Key Findings from the SIT Report
Overcrowding as the Main Cause
According to the report, the main behind the stampede was the massive overcrowding at the event. Over 2.5 lakh people had gathered for the Satsang (religious gathering) organized by the self-styled godman Bhole Baba, far exceeding the permitted limit of 80,000 people. The lack of proper crowd management and inadequate arrangements by the event organizers contributed significantly to the tragedy.
Potential Conspiracy Not Ruled Out
The SIT report not dismiss the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind the incident. This echoes the earlier concerns raised by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who had called for a thorough investigation. The report stated that “based on the investigation and actions taken so far, the investigation committee has not ruled out the possibility of a major conspiracy behind the accident and has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.”
Lapses by Local Administration and Organizers
The SIT report has held the local administration and the event organizers primarily responsible for the tragedy. It found that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Sikandra Rao had granted permission for the event without properly inspecting the venue. Additionally, the organizers misrepresented information to secure approval and failed to make adequate arrangements despite the massive turnout, leading to chaos and disorder.
Suspension of Officials and Arrest of Main Accused
In the wake of the SIT report, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended six officials, including the Sub-Divisonal Magistrate, Circle Officer, Station House Officer, Tehsildar, and two local police outpost in-charge officers. The report stated that these officials failed to treat the event with the seriousness it deserved and did not inform their superiors about the potential risks.
Furthermore, the main accused in the case, Dev Prakash Madhukar, was arrested on July 5, 2024. The report also mentioned that individuals added to the organizing committee without proper police verification contributed to the disorder,
Statements from Officials, Police, and Affected Families
The SIT report includes statements from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Hathras District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and other police officials who were on duty during the incident. The report also incorporates statements from the affected, providing a comprehensive understanding of the tragedy.
Godman Bhole Baba and Allegations of Conspiracy’While the SIT report did not specifically name Bhole Baba, the mishap was caused by some unidentified men who allegedly sprayed poison during the event, causing the stampede. Singh alleged that the group of conspirators fled the venue after causing the chaos.
Reactions and Implications
The Hathras stampede has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. Mayawati, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president has criticized the SIT report, alleging that it seems “politically motivated” and has made an “attempt to give [Bhole Baba] a clean chit”
The SIT report and the subsequent actions taken by the Uttar Pradesh government have raised concerns about the role of the local administration and the event organizers in the tragic incident. The potential conspiracy angle has also added a layer of complexity to the investigation, underscoring the need for a thorough and impartial probe.
As the investigation continues, the Hathras stampede case has once again highlighted the importance of proper crowd management, event planning, and the accountability of authorities in ensuring the safety of large gatherings. The tragedy has left a deep impact on the affected families and the broader community, and the quest for justice and prevention of such incidents in the future remains a pressing concern.