A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and an independent judicial inquiry into the Hathras stampede that occurred on July 2, 2024. This tragic incident at a religious event in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of more than 116 people and injuries to over 200 others. The event, a ‘satsang’ organized by self-styled godman Narayan Sakar Hari in Fulrai village, witnessed a devastating stampede that has drawn widespread attention and criticism.
Background of the Incident
The stampede took place during a religious congregation organized by Narayan Sakar Hari in Fulrai village, under the jurisdiction of the Sikandrarau police station. The gathering attracted a massive crowd from various states, seeking spiritual solace and guidance from the godman. However, the event quickly turned tragic as the crowd swelled beyond control, leading to a catastrophic stampede. The sheer magnitude of the tragedy, with over a hundred fatalities and hundreds more injured, highlighted severe lapses in crowd control and event management.
Allegations of Negligence
The PIL, filed by Advocate Gaurav Dwivedi, points to gross negligence on the part of the district authorities. According to the plea, the authorities failed in their duty to ensure the safety of the attendees, which directly led to the horrific incident. The plea argues that such negligence and irresponsible behavior by the police and district administration towards the safety of devotees reflect a deep-seated problem in the law and order system of Uttar Pradesh. It stresses that the failure to adequately manage the event has eroded public trust in the government's ability to protect its citizens.
Call for CBI Probe and Judicial Inquiry
The petitioner has called for a thorough investigation by the CBI to ensure an impartial and comprehensive examination of the incident. Additionally, the plea requests an independent judicial inquiry to hold accountable those responsible for the lapses that led to the stampede. The petitioner argues that despite the state's significant investment in mechanisms and technologies for better administration, these were not effectively utilized, leading to the tragic outcome. The plea underscores the need for an independent probe to restore public confidence and prevent such incidents in the future.
Accountability and Oversight
The plea also highlights the routine reviews of law and order conducted by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh through video conferencing. Despite these high-level reviews, the Hathras administration and the responsible officers failed to maintain order and ensure the safety of the event's attendees. The PIL urges the High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the incident, suspend certain officials pending the investigation, and initiate an independent judicial inquiry to thoroughly investigate the causes and accountability for the stampede.
Importance of Judicial Intervention
Judicial intervention in this matter is deemed crucial by the petitioner to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The plea argues that without a thorough and independent investigation, the true causes and responsible parties may never be identified, leaving systemic issues unaddressed. The petitioner believes that a judicial inquiry, coupled with a CBI investigation, is essential to uncover the truth and implement necessary reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Broader Implications
The Hathras stampede and the subsequent legal actions have broader implications for public safety and governance in Uttar Pradesh and across India. The incident underscores the critical need for effective crowd management strategies and robust administrative oversight during large public events. It also highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in governance to maintain public trust. The outcome of the PIL and the subsequent investigations will likely influence how future events are managed and how authorities are held accountable for lapses in public safety.
Conclusion
The tragic stampede in Hathras has brought to light significant issues in event management, public safety, and administrative accountability. The PIL filed in the Allahabad High Court seeks to address these issues through a comprehensive investigation by the CBI and an independent judicial inquiry. The call for judicial intervention reflects the urgent need to restore public confidence and ensure justice for the victims of this preventable tragedy. The court's response and the subsequent investigations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of public safety and governance in Uttar Pradesh.
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