The stampede occurred as the devotees, primarily women, were returning home after attending a ‘satsang‘ in Hathras‘ Phulrai village led by Baba Narayan Hari.
The police attributed the incident to overcrowding, and videos circulating on social media showed bodies piled up outside a nearby hospital. However, the precise cause of the stampede is currently under investigation.
Following the incident, police and special operation group (SOG) personnel entered the ashram of the religious preacher in search of him. However, circle officer Sunil Kumar Singh said that ‘Bhole Baba’ was not present in the ashram during their visit.
“There were 50-60 sevadars (volunteers), including women, inside the ashram,” he added. Additional superintendent of police, Mainpuri, Rahul Mithas confirmed that the preacher was not seen in his ashram and clarified that the police were there to check security, not to conduct a probe.
The Uttar Pradesh government has established a three-member judicial commission, led by a retired high court judge, to investigate the Hathras tragedy and explore the possibility of a “conspiracy” behind the stampede. The commission is expected to submit its report within two months.
The police also filed an FIR against the organisers of the ‘satsang’ near Phulhari village in Hathras, alleging that they allowed 2.5 lakh people to attend the event despite obtaining permission for only 80,000.
Earlier today, the Uttar Pradesh police announced the arrest of six ‘sevadars’, including two women, in connection with the Hathras stampede. Inspector general of police (Aligarh Range) Shalabh Mathur said that the only accused named in the FIR, Devprakash Madhukar, is still at large, and a reward of Rs 1 lakh will be announced for information leading to his arrest.
Additionally, a non-bailable warrant (NBW) will be issued against him. Mathur also mentioned that the preacher Narayan Sakar Hari or Bhole Baba, was not named as an accused in the FIR but may be questioned if necessary during the investigation.
