Hathras Stampede: SIT Report Blames Organizers and Officials, Omits Godman

In response to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report on the Hathras stampede, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended six officials, including the sub-divisional magistrate, station officer, circle officer, tehsildar, and two others from Sikandrarao.

The tragic incident, which resulted in the death of 121 individuals, including 113 women, occurred during a 'satsang' in Hathras. The SIT report highlights severe lapses by the local administration and police, who allowed the event to proceed without proper inspection or security measures. This negligence contributed significantly to the chaos and resulting fatalities.

The SIT, consisting of additional director general of police (Agra zone) Anupam Kulshreshtha and divisional commissioner (Aligarh) Chaitra V, submitted a comprehensive 1,000-page report. Notably, the report does not implicate the godman, Suraj Pal, alias Narayan Sakar Hari, as responsible for the disaster.

The investigation involved interviews with 125 individuals, including administrative and police officials, eyewitnesses, and members of the public. The team also reviewed news articles, on-site videography, photographs, and video clippings.

Preliminary findings hold the event organizers accountable, citing their failure to disclose critical information when obtaining event permission. The organizers neglected the stipulated conditions and did not ensure proper arrangements for the large crowd, leading to the fatal stampede. Additionally, the organizing committee obstructed police inspections and allowed unsafe mingling of performers and attendees without security provisions. When the stampede occurred, committee members reportedly fled the scene.

The SIT has suggested the possibility of a conspiracy behind the incident, urging further investigation. To date, 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with the stampede.

This investigation underscores the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols and accountability among event organizers and officials to prevent such tragedies in the future.