Dev Prakash Madhukar, implicated as the main figure in the Hathras stampede, has been relieved of his duties as a technical assistant overseeing MGNREGA projects in Sheetalpur block, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.
He had held this position since 2010 under contract, responsible for managing bills and vouchers related to MGNREGA-funded development projects.
Following his identification as the prime accused in the FIR, Block Development Officer Dinesh Sharma initiated the process to terminate Madhukar’s contract. Police have issued a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to his apprehension, as he is currently evading arrest with a non-bailable warrant issued against him.
Madhukar’s involvement allegedly extended to encouraging residents of his native village to participate in the satsang organized by self-styled godman Suraj Pal, also known as Bhole Baba, where the tragic stampede occurred.
He has also been noted for his previous unsuccessful bid in the village pradhan election, residing in Sikandra Rau town, Hathras, with his wife who works as a panchayat assistant.
Police efforts to locate Madhukar and other suspects have intensified across Rajasthan, Haryana, and parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized administrative lapses during his visit to Hathras, urging Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to swiftly compensate the victims’ families.
The investigation into the Hathras stampede continues as authorities pursue leads and assess responsibilities in the tragic incident.