Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended two administration officials, including a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), and four local policemen after a special investigation team (SIT) found them responsible for a stampede in Hathras that killed over 120 people.
The SIT determined that the event organizers obtained permission for the satsang by Bhole Baba alias Narayan Sakar Hari through false information and fled the scene after the stampede, The Print reported.
The SDM approved the event without inspecting the site, according to the government’s statement on Tuesday.
The SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police (Agra zone) Anupam Kulshreshtha and Divisional Commissioner (Aligarh) Chaitra V, inspected the site and collected statements from 125 people, including officials, locals, and witnesses. They also reviewed news articles, on-site videography, and photographs.
The investigation concluded that the organizers and local administration were primarily responsible for the incident. The SDM, tehsildar, circle officer, inspector, and chowki in-charges were found negligent.
In a Wednesday post on social media, BSP chief Mayawati criticized the SIT’s report for not addressing Bhole Baba’s role and suggested an attempt to exonerate him. She called the stampede a clear example of government negligence and urged for strict action to prevent future incidents.
