Hathras Stampede Inquiry Clears Bhole Baba, Blames Organizers and Police

A three-member judicial commission, established by the Uttar Pradesh government and led by the retired High Court judge Brijesh Kumar Srivastava, concluded its investigation into the devastating stampede in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. The commission, which also included retired IPS officer Bhavesh Kumar Singh and retired IAS officer Hemant Rao, was tasked with uncovering the events leading to the tragedy on July 2, 2024, which resulted in 121 deaths. After a thorough examination, the commission's findings have absolved Bhole Baba, also known as Surajpal Jatav or Narayan Sakar Hari, a former police constable turned spiritual leader, from any fault regarding the incident.

The stampede at the spiritual gathering was sparked when attendees surged forward to collect sacred dust from the ground where Bhole Baba had walked during a Satsang. This rush led to a disastrous lack of crowd control, with many participants, including a significant number of women, being fatally trampled in the mayhem. Despite the chaos linked to the event he was part of, the judicial report determined that Bhole Baba, who had left his policing career to embark on a spiritual journey, did not play a direct role in causing the calamity.

In its detailed examination, the commission pointed to the failure of the event organizers and police negligence as the primary causes behind the tragedy. The organizers were blamed for not implementing adequate crowd management measures, and the police were criticized for their oversight in inspecting the venue properly before the event. Consequently, the report suggests the implementation of stringent guidelines for future gatherings to avert similar incidents. It underscores the necessity for police authorities to conduct thorough venue inspections prior to any large-scale events.

Following the commission's findings, law enforcement took decisive action by arresting 11 individuals implicated in the incident. This step indicates the government's commitment to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring justice for the victims' families. The commission's recommendations for stricter event management protocols reflect a broader aim to enhance public safety and prevent the recurrence of such heartbreaking events.

In conclusion, the judicial inquiry into the Hathras stampede has concluded with Bhole Baba receiving a clean bill of responsibility, directing the blame towards the organizers and police lapses. The tragedy has prompted calls for more rigorous safety measures at large gatherings, highlighting the importance of preparedness and accountability in preventing future disasters.