Main Accused in Hathras Stampede Surrenders, Claims Lawyer

Devprakash Madhukar, the primary suspect in the July 2 Hathras stampede that resulted in 121 fatalities, has been detained by Uttar Pradesh Police. His lawyer announced on Friday night that Madhukar surrendered in Delhi, where he was receiving medical treatment.

In a video message, Madhukar's lawyer A P Singh stated, "Today, we have surrendered Devprakash Madhukar, who has been called the main organiser in the FIR in the Hathras case, after calling the police, the SIT and the STF in Delhi since he was undergoing treatment here." Singh added that they had promised not to seek anticipatory bail as they believed they had done nothing wrong.

Details of the Incident

Madhukar is identified as the mukhya sevadar of the satsang where the stampede took place. He is the sole accused named in the FIR filed at Sikandra Rao police station in Hathras. The Uttar Pradesh Police had offered a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to his arrest.

The lawyer explained that Madhukar is an engineer and a heart patient. "Doctors said his condition is stable now and so we surrendered today to join the probe," Singh mentioned. He also urged that police take Madhukar's health into account during questioning to ensure no harm comes to him.

Legal Proceedings and Arrests

On July 3, Supreme Court lawyer A P Singh claimed he also represents Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba, the self-styled godman at whose satsang the stampede occurred. Singh alleged that anti-social elements were responsible for the tragedy and stated that Surajpal was willing to cooperate with authorities and sought a thorough investigation.

By Thursday, six individuals, including two female volunteers from Bhole Baba's organising committee, had been arrested. The FIR lodged on July 2 includes charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), and 238 (causing disappearance of evidence).

Judicial Commission Inquiry

The Uttar Pradesh government established a three-member judicial commission on July 3 to investigate the Hathras incident. This commission, led by a retired high court judge, aims to determine if there was any conspiracy behind the stampede.

Madhukar's lawyer emphasized their commitment to transparency by not seeking anticipatory bail or court intervention, which could be perceived as an attempt to evade justice. "Questions were being raised about his whereabouts and if he had run away," Singh noted.

Madhukar will now participate in the investigation and provide information regarding any anti-social elements present at the event. His lawyer stressed that they did not file for anticipatory bail or approach the court to avoid appearing as if they were trying to escape responsibility.

This development marks a significant step in addressing the tragic incident and ensuring accountability for those involved. The judicial commission's findings will be crucial in understanding what led to such a devastating event.