Judicial Commission Gives Clean Chit to 'Bhole Baba' in Hathras Stampede Case

The judicial inquiry into the tragic stampede that occurred during a Satsang in Hathras on July 2, 2024, has been completed. The commission has submitted its report to the state government, and its findings are expected to be presented in the assembly during the upcoming budget session.

The commission has given a clean chit to preacher Suraj Pal, also known as Bhole Baba, stating that he was not responsible for the incident. Instead, the report highlighted "mismanagement" and a "lack of proper arrangements" as the primary causes of the stampede. Reports indicate that the event drew a crowd of over two lakh devotees, far exceeding the expected capacity.

In connection with the incident, the Uttar Pradesh police have prepared a 3,200-page chargesheet against 11 individuals. According to defense lawyer AP Singh, Bhole Baba's name is not mentioned in the charge sheet.

The stampede took place in Fulrai Muglagarhi village of Hathras during a religious gathering led by Bhole Baba. The chaotic situation resulted in the deaths of 121 people, prompting the state government to launch a judicial investigation.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's orders, a three-member judicial commission was formed on July 3, 2024. The inquiry was led by former Allahabad High Court judge Brijesh Kumar Srivastava, with former IAS officer Hemant Rao and former IPS officer Bhavesh Kumar Singh as members. Initially given two months to complete the investigation, the commission's tenure was later extended to ensure a thorough review of the case.