Hathras Stampede: Judicial Panel Highlights Organisers' Mismanagement and Official Negligence

The judicial commission investigating the tragic stampede in Hathras last July has identified severe overcrowding, mismanagement by organisers, and negligence in granting permissions as key factors responsible for the disaster. This event, which took place during a religious gathering led by preacher Narayan Sakar Hari, resulted in 121 fatalities. The commission's report, presented to the Uttar Pradesh government and the state assembly, highlights significant safety lapses.

The report reveals that the event was expected to draw 80,000 attendees, but the actual number swelled to between 2.5 to 3 lakh. When the sermon concluded, the entire crowd was released simultaneously, leading to chaos. The absence of a structured dispersal plan exacerbated the situation, making it difficult for devotees to exit safely.

Overcrowding and Safety Lapses

Seating arrangements extended beyond the designated area due to overcrowding, leaving many exposed to harsh weather conditions. Fans and cooling systems were limited to the stage area, providing no relief to attendees. Insufficient drinking water facilities added to the discomfort of those seated for hours, contributing to restlessness and a rush towards exits when the event ended.

The stampede occurred near a highway adjacent to a muddy slope that lacked barricades or safety measures. Water spilled from tankers made the road slippery, creating a hazardous environment for the fast-moving crowd. This combination of factors turned the area into a high-risk zone where many lost their footing and were trampled.

Role of Volunteers and Organisers

The report also criticises the role of sevadars (volunteers) who worsened the situation. To facilitate Bhole Baba's exit, they formed a human chain along the highway to hold back the crowd. Once he left, they dispersed abruptly, causing a sudden surge towards vehicles on an already congested highway.

Security and crowd control responsibilities were entirely handed over to event organisers and their volunteers. Local police and administration played a passive role. The commission criticised this approach, emphasising that public safety is a fundamental duty of law enforcement and cannot be outsourced.

Permission Process and Oversight

The inquiry revealed that Dev Prakash Madhukar, chief organiser of the event, submitted an application on June 18, 2024, seeking permission for 80,000 people. The application included support letters from local representatives. However, police verification was rushed without physical inspection of the venue before granting approval.

The formal permission order dated June 18 did not specify expected attendance numbers despite mentioning 80,000 participants in the application. An error recorded police verification as December 18 instead of June 18, raising concerns about scrutiny during approval.

Recommendations for Future Events

The commission recommended stricter regulations on large religious gatherings to prevent future tragedies. It suggested mandatory government oversight on crowd management, pre-event verification of organisers and volunteers, adequate police deployment, and well-structured exit plans.

The Uttar Pradesh government is expected to review these recommendations and consider implementing stricter safety protocols for public events. Advocate AP Singh stated that efforts will be made to avoid lapses highlighted in the report in future events.