SIT Report Blames Overcrowding and Lapses in Administration for Hathras Stampede

A week after the devastating stampede at a Satsang in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras, which resulted in 121 deaths, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted a comprehensive report. The nearly 300-page document highlights overcrowding as the primary cause of the incident, implicating both the event organizers and the local administration for failing to manage the crowd and provide adequate safety measures. The report also suggests the possibility of a conspiracy and has led to the suspension of the local Sub Divisional Magistrate, a circle officer, and four other officials.

The SIT’s findings, based on statements from 119 individuals, including eyewitnesses and affected families, call for an in-depth investigation into administrative lapses. It was revealed that over 2 lakh people attended the event, although permission was granted for only 80,000. This significant discrepancy was not taken seriously by the local police and administration, leading to the tragic outcome. The Supreme Court is now set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking further investigation and legal action against those responsible for the negligence.

In the aftermath of the incident, legal actions have been initiated against Bhole Baba, the satsang organizer, and several key accused have been arrested. Baba, originally named Suraj Pal Singh, expressed his sorrow and urged affected families to trust the judicial process. The main accused, Devprakash Madhukar, was apprehended after a reward was announced for his capture, along with other conspirators. Meanwhile, Baba’s advocate has claimed that unidentified men sprayed poison, causing the panic and subsequent stampede.

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