Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a judicial probe into the tragic stampede in Hathras, which resulted in the deaths of 121 people, mostly women and children. This decision follows an FIR filed against the event organizers for allegedly hiding evidence and violating conditions by allowing 2.5 lakh people to attend an event at a venue with a capacity of only 80,000.

“We have formed an SIT, led by ADG Agra, which has already submitted a preliminary report. They have been directed to conduct a thorough investigation. The state government has decided to have a judicial inquiry led by a retired High Court judge, along with retired senior officials of the Administration and Police,” said CM Yogi Adityanath. He also revealed that victims included people from Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Without naming anyone directly, CM Adityanath criticized certain individuals for politicizing the tragic event. “Some people have the tendency to politicize such sad and painful incidents. These people have the nature of ‘chori bhi aur seenazori bhi.’ Everyone knows with whom the preacher’s photos are and with whom he has political connections. It is necessary for us to know about it. Those who play with the lives of innocent people will be held accountable,” he stated.

The stampede occurred during a congregation in Phulrai village led by religious preacher Bhole Baba. Following the incident, devastated families gathered at hospitals to identify bodies and tend to the injured. The Office of the Relief Commissioner reported that 28 people were injured, with four bodies yet to be identified.

Of the 121 fatalities, 116 were women, seven were children, and one was a man. The scene of the tragedy was marked by a pile of abandoned slippers, a silent testament to the chaos. The whereabouts of the preacher, Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, remain unknown, and police have launched a search for him.

While the FIR against the organizers lists their failures in managing the event and cooperating with traffic management, it notably excludes the preacher’s name from the accused, despite it being mentioned in the complaint. The FIR suggests that the police and administration did their best with the resources available.

An inquiry team consisting of ADG Agra and the Aligarh Divisional Commissioner has been tasked with investigating the cause of the incident.