Hathras Stampede: No Arrests and Few Answers 2 Days After Tragic Incident Killed 123

The self-styled godman Narayana Sakar Hari, who addressed the ‘satsang’, is currently at an unknown location. However, his lawyer has stated that he will cooperate in the probe. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak assured that the investigation report is expected soon, and anyone found guilty will face strict action. An autopsy of 118 bodies has been completed, with five yet to be identified.

Additionally, twenty injured individuals are receiving treatment in local hospitals. The stampede occurred as a large crowd rushed to collect dust stirred up by the godman’s departing car after the ‘satsang’. The subdivisional magistrate’s report indicates that the godman’s security guards pushed his followers, causing some to fall and be trampled. Many others panicked and fled towards an open field, leading to further injuries.

The godman’s close aide and event organizer, Devprakash Madhukar, has been named in the FIR, and police have conducted raids in multiple locations to arrest the accused. The preacher’s lawyer alleges that “anti-social elements” conspired to create the chaos. A three-member judicial commission, led by a retired judge from Allahabad High Court, is investigating the tragedy and is expected to submit its report within two months. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has raised questions about the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the stampede.

A special investigation team, headed by Agra’s Additional Director General of Police, is also looking into the incident. Many families are still searching for their relatives who attended the ‘satsang’. The Uttar Pradesh government has promised a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased. The tragic event has left many families devastated, with some expressing frustration at the situation.

For instance, one woman from Unnao, awaiting news of her missing five-year-old son alongside her sister-in-law’s body, expressed her grief and helplessness in the face of the unfolding tragedy.