Six arrested in Hathras tragedy; Main accused Dev Prakash Madhukar on the run

LUCKNOW: Six people, including two women, have been arrested in the tragedy in which 121 people died during the prayer meeting of deity Bhole Baba at Haths in Uttar Pradesh. All are organizing committee volunteers. The police said that six people had drowned from the spot when the tragedy occurred.

The police have announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for any information about the main accused Dev Prakash Madhukar. A non-bailable warrant was issued against him. He is absconding with his family. It was on his behalf that 78 people were in the organizing committee. The volunteers who were responsible for controlling the crowd were arrested. It was found that there was a mistake in crowd control.

No case has been filed against the deity Bhole Baba. Aligarh Range IG Shalabh Mathur said that he will be interrogated if required.

The police yesterday searched the office of his ashram Ramkutir Charitable Trust in Main Puri. Baba was not there. His criminal background is being investigated. Police were deployed in front of the ashram. Meanwhile, all the dead bodies have been identified and handed over to the family members.

Bhole Baba, his wife and four others were arrested in 2000 in a case where they claimed to be able to resurrect a dead girl. A 16-year-old girl who died of cancer was arrested for causing trouble by seizing the body from the burial ground by claiming that she could revive him with her magical powers. Allegations of sexual assault were also raised against Baba.

In a press release, Bhole Baba alleged that the tragedy was caused by anti-social elements. He said that legal action will be taken against the anti-socials who created the crowd. He also said that he is saddened by the tragedy.

Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal informed that Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi will visit Hathras. Will meet the family members of the deceased. The date of the visit will be announced later.