Main Accused Dev Prakash Madhukar Arrested in Hathras Stampede Case

The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested Dev Prakash Madhukar, the main accused in the Hathras stampede incident, along with two others, Ram Prakash Shakya and Sanju Yadav. The stampede occurred during a ‘Satsang’ event by self-styled godman Suraj Pal Singh, also known as ‘Bhole Baba’, in Fulari village on July 2.

According to Hathras SP Nipun Aggarwal, Madhukar was arrested by the district SOG of Hathras from Najafgarh (Delhi), while Shakya and Yadav were arrested from different locations in Sikandra Rao. The police investigation revealed that political parties had contacted Madhukar, who was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh, and were possibly involved in funding the event.

Madhukar, a junior engineer in the MGNREGA in Etah district since 2010, was the main organizer of the Satsang event. He and his assistants prevented police intervention and prohibited videography or photography at the event site. They also violated several permit conditions, disrupting traffic and logistics.

The police are investigating all bank accounts, properties, and money trails associated with Madhukar. They are also probing whether the incident was incited or instructed by someone else. Further interrogation of the arrested assistants and organizers is ongoing.