Hathras, Uttar Pradesh – February 21, 2025: A judicial panel probing the Hathras stampede, which claimed 121 lives on July 2, 2024, has given self-styled godman Bhole Baba a clean chit, his lawyer A.P. Singh claimed on Friday. The tragic incident occurred during a satsang (religious gathering) in Hathras, organized by Narayan Sakar Hari, popularly known as Bhole Baba, drawing over 2.5 lakh devotees—far exceeding the permitted limit of 80,000.
SIT and Judicial Findings
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with the judicial commission, concluded that Bhole Baba had no direct role in the stampede. Instead, the blame has been placed on:
- Event Organizers: For gross mismanagement and failure to control the crowd.
- Local Authorities: For inadequate preparations and oversight.
The stampede erupted as devotees rushed toward Bhole Baba, leading to chaos and the devastating loss of mostly women and children. Around 150 others were injured in the incident.
Controversy Over Clean Chit
The decision to exonerate Bhole Baba has sparked outrage among victims' families and critics, who question how accountability could be sidestepped in such a high-profile case. “The inquiry found Baba innocent, but we’re still fighting for justice,” said a victim’s family member. The preacher was notably absent from the initial FIR, intensifying allegations of a cover-up.
Singh, Bhole Baba’s lawyer, hailed the outcome as a “victory of truth,” stating that his client fully cooperated with the investigation. Bhole Baba himself had earlier claimed the tragedy resulted from a “conspiracy” involving “anti-social elements.”
The Hathras stampede has reignited debates over the safety of large religious gatherings in India. The judicial panel’s findings, yet to be made public, reportedly recommend stricter crowd control measures and accountability for local administration. With 121 lives lost, the incident remains a stark reminder of the need for reform.
