SC petition cites TE’s grave negligence during Bhole Baba ‘satsang’ that led to 121 deaths- Firstpost

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking review of the Hathras stampede incident in which the administration was accused of failing to control the crowd present at the ‘Satsang’.

The death toll from the accident has risen to 121, with police identifying most of the victims. Most of the victims are children and women.

Devotees from various districts of Uttar Pradesh and also from neighbouring states arrived for the Satsang on Tuesday.

A team comprising ADG Agra and divisional commissioner Aligarh has been constituted to investigate the cause of the incident. A report is expected to be submitted within 24 hours, the government said in a statement on Tuesday, after the tragic incident.

What charges were brought in the appeal?

The suit filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari further alleged that there were grave negligence and lapses in organising such a large-scale event, which indicated a “failure of the government authorities to discharge their duty of care to the public”.

Meanwhile, Bhole Baba, the priest for whom the event was organized, is on the run. The appeal has raised questions about the failure of the administration and the police.

Much neglect in Hathras

The Uttar Pradesh police have found several irregularities in the organisation of religious celebrations in the village of Hathras.

• There were no clear demarcations between entry and exit points.

• There were no evacuation routes at the event

• The event organizers did not provide any medical assistance on the premises of “Satsang”

• There were not enough fans and coolers to help participants survive the heat.

• Lack of food and water

• There were no barricades on the route of Bhole Baba’s cavalcade.

• Sources also revealed that the organizers did not disclose the details of the permit they had applied for from the authorities.

What caused the panic?

At first glance, it appears the panic was caused by extreme heat and humidity.

However, several theories have emerged, including one that suggests people rushed towards the preacher as he walked away “to touch his feet”, which may have caused a panic.

Deaths occurred as a result of ‘pratha“or a ritual in which the preacher’s followers touch his feet to collect “couple ki dhool” (dust from feet) and seek His blessing.