Hathras Incident: CM Suspects Conspiracy, Announces Judicial Inquiry
Pune, 3rd July 2024: In the aftermath of the tragic stampede during a satsang in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the district to meet the families of the deceased and the injured. The CM assessed the situation, visited the hospital, and addressed the media, expressing suspicion of a conspiracy behind the incident. He announced a judicial inquiry to uncover the truth and ensure accountability. The stampede, which occurred in Sikandrarau, Hathras, resulted in the death of 121 people and numerous injuries.
CM Suspects Conspiracy Behind Incident
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, after meeting the injured, revealed that the stampede happened after the program concluded. He explained that the preacher’s convoy on GT Road attracted a crowd of women, which led to a rush, causing people to trample over each other. Volunteers’ attempts to manage the crowd only worsened the situation, resulting in a deadly stampede both on GT Road and inside the venue.
Volunteers Attempted to Cover Up Incident
A distressing aspect of the incident was that volunteers prevented the administration from intervening during such programs. During and after the incident, volunteers tried to cover it up. When the administration began transporting the injured to hospitals, the volunteers fled. An SIT, chaired by ADG Agra, has been formed and has provided its preliminary report, indicating that a thorough investigation is underway.
Judicial Inquiry Announced
The CM emphasized the need to investigate various aspects of the incident. Following rescue operations, the next steps include questioning the organizers, determining negligence, and identifying responsibility, for which an FIR has been registered. A judicial inquiry, headed by a retired High Court judge and involving retired officials from the administration and police, will be conducted to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Accountability and Criticism of Akhilesh Yadav
CM Adityanath announced the formation of special teams to determine accountability and take necessary actions across different districts. He criticized Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of politicizing the tragedy. The CM asserted that some individuals exploit such events for political gains while feigning innocence.
Victims of Mischievous Elements
The administration assumed that religious events would be disciplined, but attendees often fell prey to mischievous elements, leading to chaos. Such incidents are orchestrated by those looking to cause trouble and then quietly slip away. Volunteers should have cooperated with the administration to assist the victims instead of fleeing the scene.
Strict Punishment for the Guilty
The CM assured that those responsible for the incident would face strict punishment. FIRs have been filed against those who applied for the event’s permission, and the investigation will continue to identify and penalize all responsible parties. Both central and state governments have announced financial assistance for the victims, and provisions will be made for the education of the deceased’s children.
