As the tragic race run by Hathras kills 121 people run by women, new and contradictory details have surfaced The incident at a religious gathering led by preacher Bholebaba has sparked controversy and has been called for there is no thorough investigation into its causes.
The day after the race, Bholebaba’s lawyer A.P. Instead, Singh alleged that the violence was orchestrated by anti-social elements as part of a pre-planned conspiracy.
Here are 10 facts everyone Should Know:
- Preliminary reports and allegations: According to preliminary official reports, a large mob known as “Charan Raj” targeted to collect earth across Bhole Baba’s legs around, and then a run broke out.
- Counsel’s Counterclaim: AP Singh vehemently denies the allegations made in the first report. He said that Bhole Baba would not allow anyone to touch his feet, nor was there any evidence, such as videos or pictures, to support the claims of the devotees who tried to do so.
- Conspiracy Charges: Singh accused unnamed anti-social persons of orchestrating the riots. He said followers of Bhole Baba were confused and shocked as confusion prevailed when he left the venue.
- Cooperation assured: Despite the contentious situation, the Bholebaba legal team has pledged full cooperation with the authorities and the ongoing investigation.
- Location of Bhole Baba: Mainpuri DSP Sunil Kumar clarified that Bhole Baba was not at his ashram at the time of the incident. The DSP confirmed that the preacher was not at the scene of the incident the day before or the day after the tragedy.
- Police Involvement: Law enforcement agencies did not include Bholebaba in the FIR registered in connection with the race. The probe mainly focuses on the alleged activities of Dev Prakash Madhukar, who is touted as the master planner of the religious event.
- Scenario: According to initial reports, the race intensified as security personnel prevented the participants from approaching Bhole Baba. The situation escalated when people started pushing each other, resulting in several casualties.
- Local News: Some attendees reportedly fled to a nearby swampy area to escape the noise. Sadly, this resulted in additional injuries and deaths as people tripped and stepped on them.
- Legal case: An FIR has been lodged against Dev Prakash Madhukar under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, hinting at serious legal consequences for the organizers of the event.
- Formation of judicial commission: To ensure transparency and impartiality of the inquiry, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has constituted a three-member judicial commission. Headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Brijesh Kumar Shrivastava, the commission has been tasked with probing all aspects of the Hathras sabhagada over the next two months.
The Hathras saffron shook the community and raised legitimate questions about the management of events, security arrangements, and responsibilities of religious leaders at large gatherings. Clarity and accountability will become increasingly important as the investigation progresses.