The Uttar Pradesh Police have submitted a comprehensive 3,200-page chargesheet against 11 individuals in connection with the tragic stampede that occurred during a ‘Satsang’ in Hathras, resulting in the deaths of approximately 121 people. The police report notably excludes the name of Suraj Pal, also known as Bhole Baba, who organized the event.
Defense attorney AP Singh highlighted in a self-recorded video that Suraj Pal’s name does not appear anywhere in the chargesheet, nor has any formal case been filed against him. The case, which is drawing considerable public and media attention, will have its next hearing on October 4, where the court will also consider the chargesheet.
The Hathras stampede, which unfolded on July 2, drew an overwhelming crowd of over 200,000 devotees, far exceeding the permitted attendance of 80,000. The chaotic situation during the event led to a surge of panic, resulting in the devastating loss of life.
AP Singh expressed concern over the ongoing investigation, noting that no decisions have yet been made regarding the judicial commission’s inquiry into the incident. As the legal proceedings progress, Singh stated, “There will be questions and answers during the trial in the court.”
The stampede has raised questions about the safety protocols in place for large gatherings and has led to calls for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of crowd management during large-scale events, and the ramifications of neglecting safety measures can be dire.
