Police Probe Into Hathras Stampede Finds Serious Lapse

Several flaws were discovered in the way the entire religious celebration in Hathras was planned, resulting in the terrible stampede that killed 121 people and injured several others on Tuesday. From no entry-exit points to a lack of emergency routes, Uttar Pradesh Police sources have identified serious blunders that contributed to the disaster, even as VVIP arrangements were made for religious preacher ‘Bhole Baba’.

According to the permission and the norms a gathering of 80,000 people should have different entry-exit points which was not followed at this event, even there were no entry exits found. At such a large gathering there was no medical team at the spot nor there were enough fans amid such hot and humid weather.

Also there was no barricading near the cavalcade of Baba because of which started running trying to get close to Baba.

According to police sources, the organisers failed to disclose the specific facts in their request for approval from the administration. According to insiders, the investigations thus far have revealed extreme carelessness in the manner in which approvals were granted by both the administration and the organisers.

A search operation was carried out at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri district to find Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba. ‘We were unable to locate Baba ji on campus. He’s not here.’ Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar said.