Officials Suspended After Hathras Stampede at Bhole Baba’s Event

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, has recommended action against six officials for negligence following a stampede at a religious event on July 2. The officials, including the Sub-District Magistrate and Police Circle Officer of Sikandrarao, have been suspended.

The SIT found that the event organizers invited more people than permitted and did not follow safety protocols. The Sub-District Magistrate granted permission for the event without inspecting the venue and failed to inform senior officials.

The main accused, Devprakash Madhukar, was arrested and sent to judicial custody. Two other accused, Ramprakash Shakya and Sanju Yadav, were also arrested. The investigation is ongoing, with the possibility of a major conspiracy not ruled out.