Samajwadi Party’s Fakhrul Hasan Chand Speaks on Hathras Stampede and Unnao Accident

On Wednesday, Samajwadi Party (SP) spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand discussed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report on the Hathras stampede. He criticized the government for not taking action against influential people, suggesting that they are trying to cover up the incident.

Chand stated, “The SP from the first day is saying that the BJP didn’t take actions that it should have taken, and they did not fulfil the responsibilities of the administration and the government. The government wants to cover up the entire matter.”

He further claimed that the SIT report is attempting to protect powerful individuals. “The government by taking action on small people wants to end this matter completely.”

Chand emphasized that families who lost loved ones should receive compensation, and the injured should be treated. He also stressed the need to prevent future administrative failures.

After five days of investigation, the SIT submitted its report on the stampede that resulted in the death of 121 devotees at a Satsang in Sikandrarao, Hathras. The report recommended action against six officials for negligence, leading to their suspension. The suspended officials include the Sub-District Magistrate, Police Circle Officer, Station Officer, Tehsildar, and two Chowki Incharges of Sikandrarao.

Chand also commented on the Unnao accident, calling it unfortunate and urging the government to provide compensation. The accident occurred when a double-decker sleeper bus hit a milk tanker, resulting in 18 deaths and 19 injuries.

Additionally, Chand congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Russia’s highest civilian honor, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, from President Vladimir Putin. However, he questioned when PM Modi would visit Manipur and meet the victims of Hathras.