Officials Suspended After Hathras Stampede: SDM, Tehsildar And Circle Officer Face Disciplinary Action

The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended several officials after a stampede at a Hathras religious event led to 121 deaths. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) found evidence of negligence and mismanagement by organisers and officials, prompting recommendations for further investigation.

The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended several officials following a stampede at a religious event in Hathras that resulted in 121 deaths. The suspension includes a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), a tehsildar, a circle officer, a station officer, and two police outposts in charge.

This action was taken based on the recommendations of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the incident. According to officials, the SIT submitted its report on Monday, attributing primary responsibility for the stampede to the organisers, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The report also suggested the possibility of a conspiracy, highlighting the need for further investigation."In the preliminary investigation, the SIT has held the organisers primarily responsible for the accident based on eyewitness accounts and other evidence," an official stated anonymously.

Negligence and Mismanagement

The SIT's findings indicated that the suspended officials did not take adequate measures to manage the gathering and failed to inform their superiors about potential risks. The SDM was found to have granted permission for the event without inspecting the venue or notifying senior officials. Additionally, it was revealed that permission was obtained by concealing crucial facts, as per Hindustan Times report.

The official added that conditions for granting permission were not adhered to by the organisers. They failed to make necessary arrangements and did not comply with administrative requirements. The SIT also noted that people associated with the organising committee spread chaos during the event.

Organising Committee's Role

The SIT reported that some members of the organising committee were included without proper police verification. These individuals misbehaved with law enforcement officers and obstructed them from inspecting the venue. Despite anticipating a large crowd, no barricading or passage arrangements were made.

During the stampede, members of the organising committee fled from the scene, further exacerbating the situation. The SIT recorded statements from 125 individuals, including administrative and police officials, eyewitnesses, and members of the public, as per

Hathras Stampede Probe

The investigation involved reviewing news articles related to the incident, on-site videography, photographs, and video clippings. This comprehensive approach aimed to gather all possible evidence to understand what led to such a tragic outcome.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the formation of a two-member SIT comprising additional director general (Agra Zone) Anupam Kulshrestha and Aligarh divisional commissioner Chaitra V, as reported. Their task is to ensure a thorough investigation into all aspects of this incident.

The SIT's report underscores significant lapses in both planning and execution by those responsible for organising the event. It highlights how negligence at various levels contributed to this tragedy.