Athawale Advocates for Support to Hathras Stampede Victims' Kin

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has urged self-styled godman Surajpal, also known as Bhole Baba, to provide financial assistance to the families affected by the Hathras stampede. The Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment also called on the Uttar Pradesh government to offer employment to one member from each victim's family.

A tragic stampede occurred at Bhole Baba's satsang in Hathras on July 3, resulting in the deaths of 121 people, predominantly women, and injuring 31 others. The Uttar Pradesh government has pledged Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured.

Financial Aid and Employment

Athawale visited Hathras and paid his respects to the deceased. He also met with the injured to check on their health. In a post on X, he stated, "Today, during a meeting in Navipur, Hathras, I met the family members of the deceased, paid tributes and also assured them of all possible help."

The Republican Party of India (Athawale) president emphasized that one person from each victim's family should receive a government job. He reiterated this demand on X: "RPI demands that one person from the victims' family should get a government job."

Arrests Made

So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. Among those detained is Devprakash Madhukar, who was the main organiser and fundraiser for the event.

Athawale stressed that financial support should come from Bhole Baba himself. He said, "The families of the victims of the Hathras accident should be given financial help by the organizer Baba."

The minister's visit aimed to provide solace and assurance to the grieving families while pushing for concrete support measures from both the state government and event organisers.