In a letter to the Hathras District Magistrate, Sikandra Rao, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Hathras, has detailed the events leading to a tragic stampede during a Satsang (religious congregation) that resulted in over 120 deaths. The SDM, who had granted permission for the event, implicated the security personnel of godman Narayan Hari 'Bhole Baba' in exacerbating the situation.
According to the SDM's account, the stampede began when Bhole Baba was leaving the venue. Enthusiastic followers surged forward to catch a glimpse of the godman and to collect soil from around his feet. The sudden movement caused a rush towards him, with many followers standing on a divider on GT Road and running towards the godman for blessings.
In an attempt to control the situation and keep the crowd away from Bhole Baba, his private security guards and 'sewadars' (attendants) began pushing some of the followers. This action caused several people to fall, leading to widespread panic and chaos. As people scrambled to escape the crush, they rushed towards a nearby open field.
The SDM's letter describes how the field, filled with water and slush from recent rainfall, became treacherous. People slipping on the wet ground were trampled by others attempting to flee the scene, further escalating the disaster.
Despite the severity of the incident, Bhole Baba has not been named in the FIR filed against the event's organizers. Instead, the 'Mukhya sevadar' (chief attendant) Devprakash Madhukar, who is currently absconding, has been listed as the primary accused.
