6 sevadars arrested over Hathras stampede, say police
The Uttar Pradesh police said on Thursday that they have arrested six 'sevadars', including two women, in connection with the Hathras stampede that killed 123 people. The only accused named in the FIR is at large while preacher Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba will be questioned if required during investigation, a senior officer said.
"All six persons who have been arrested worked as sevadars (volunteers) at the 'satsang'," Inspector General of Police (Aligarh Range) Shalabh Mathur told reporters here. "A reward of Rs 1 lakh will be announced soon and non-bailable warrant (NBW) will also be issued against key accused Devprakash Madhukar," Mathura said. The preacher Surajpal was not mentioned as accused in the FIR lodged at the local Sikandra Rau police station on Tuesday after the stampede at Phulrai village that left 123 people dead in its wake.
Amidst political exchanges and official responses, families endure a harrowing search across mortuaries and hospitals to identify loved ones and locate the injured. Urmila Devi, who attended the 'satsang' with her 16-year-old granddaughter, recounts her ordeal since the tragedy unfolded. Separated during the chaos, she has tirelessly visited multiple hospitals in Hathras and Etah without finding her granddaughter. Lacking a phone, she relies on acquaintances to inform her elder son of their plight.
Similar stories emerge from others searching hospitals in Aligarh, Hathras, and Etah for missing relatives. The stampede occurred as followers of self-styled godman Narayan Sakar Hari, known as 'Bhole Baba', rushed to collect dust stirred up by his departure. The situation escalated when his guards intervened, leading to the fatal stampede. Despite calls from followers, 'Bhole Baba' remains elusive, with his lawyer pledging cooperation from an undisclosed location.
In hospitals, frustration mounts among injured followers. One woman, recovering from a fractured hand, voices her disappointment, demanding, "If the baba truly cares, he should come and help us heal." Her five-year-old grandson, also injured, recovers alongside her.
Binod, a Hathras resident, grapples with profound loss—his mother, wife, and daughter perished in the stampede. "I returned home to find them gone," he shares, tears streaming. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an inquiry into the incident, exploring potential conspiracies, while opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav blames the BJP government entirely. 'Bhole Baba's' lawyer attributes the incident to "anti-social elements," alleging a planned conspiracy.
