In Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, following the chaos that ensued during recent discourses of Narayan Saakar Hari, the administration has swiftly initiated action. The tragic incident has now claimed the lives of up to 121 individuals. An FIR has been lodged against an organizer, and a search is underway for the self-proclaimed Baba under whose program this incident occurred. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a visit to Hathras on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, to inquire about the condition of the injured.
FIR and Accusations
According to media reports, sections 105, 110, 126(2), 223, and 228 of the Indian Penal Code have been invoked regarding the deaths in the Hathras chaos. Devprakash Madhukar has been named as the main accused in this FIR, identified as the chief aide of this self-proclaimed Baba. Additionally, 21 other aides have also been implicated in this case.
Search for the Baba
Police are conducting raids in search of Narayan Saakar Hari, alias Bhole Baba, who has gone underground following the chaos. Initially, reports indicated he had left Hathras and reached Mainpuri, but the police were unsuccessful there. It is reported that his supporters obstructed the police. After police entered his ashram in Mainpuri, he fled from there. Now, police are searching for him in other locations.
Number of Deaths and Postmortem
The official count of deaths in the Hathras chaos has now reached 121. Postmortems conducted overnight are sending the bodies back to their homes, but several bodies remain in hospitals. Many of them have yet to be identified, and relatives are searching for their loved ones. Several eyewitnesses have recounted their experiences after the incident.
Eyewitness Accounts
A girl who survived the incident described how chaos erupted as soon as Baba’s discourse ended. Some people rushed to touch Baba’s feet, and at the same time, a large crowd began leaving the venue. This disruption led to disorder, and people lost control. Some started running through fields, leading to chaos and casualties.
Administration’s Prompt Action
Upon receiving information about the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Singh and DGP Prashant Kumar arrived in Hathras. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is visiting Hathras today to meet the injured and their families. The government has formed a special team to investigate every aspect of this incident.
Background of the Baba
Narayan Saakar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, comes from a Jatav family. His followers include former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav. Akhilesh Yadav attended Baba’s program in 2023 and shared pictures of the event on social media. During this time, he demonstrated a large crowd gathered at Baba’s assembly and chanted praises for Narayan Saakar Hari.
Conclusion
The Hathras chaos is a serious tragedy that highlights administrative negligence and failure to control crowds. This incident has not only shaken Hathras but also all of Uttar Pradesh. It is hoped that prompt action and investigation by the administration will bring the culprits to justice and prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s presence at the scene will provide comfort to affected families and demonstrate a crucial step towards justice.
