Yogi orders judicial inquiry into Hathras stampede incident, says 'will fix accountability'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that a judicial inquiry has been initiated to probe all the angles in the Hathras stampede incident that claimed the lives of 121 people, mostly women. He said that a retired high court judge will lead the judicial probe.

In a press briefing, the chief minister also said that a Special Investigative Team has been formed led by the Additional Director General of police of Agra.

Giving details about the deceased, Yogi said, "They were from UP, Haryana, MP and Rajasthan. Out of the 121 deceased, 6 were from other states. Thirty-one injured people are undergoing treatment and almost everyone is out of danger."

"I had a conversation with several eyewitnesses and they informed me that the incident took place after the program was over when the preacher of the Satsang was coming down from the stage, suddenly several women started going towards him to touch him and when the 'sevadars' stopped them, due to which this accident happened. The administration was not allowed by the 'sevadars' to enter inside..."

The UP leader further announced that steps will be taken to fix the accountability of "those responsible for this entire incident."

"Their proceedings will now begin in different districts and after the initial investigation, we will work to take further action forward..."

Yogi also criticised Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for politicising the issue, adding that the Baba has some political links with the SP patriarch.

Some people have the tendency to politicise such sad and painful incidents. These people have the nature of 'chori bhi aur seenazori bhi'. Everyone knows with whom the gentleman's (preacher) photos are and with whom he has political connections. You must have seen that during the rallies in the past days, where was the stampede and who was behind it? It is necessary for us to know about it. Those who play with the lives of innocent people will be held accountable for this..."