Hathras stampede triggered by toxic substance sprayed at satsang: Surajpal’s lawyer

New Delhi, July 7

A day after self-styled godman Bhole Baba aka Surajpal issued a video statement, expressing “sorrow” over the July 2 stampede that led to the death of 121 persons in Hathras, his lawyer on Sunday alleged according to information given to him by “eyewitnesses”, some people had sprayed a poisonous substance at the congregation venue leading to the tragedy.

Will quiz anyone, if required: panel

• Asked if ‘godman’ will be quizzed, a member of the judicial panel set up by UP said they would speak to anyone needed for inquiry into stampede
• They will also issue a public notice soon, asking locals and witnesses to share evidence related to the stampede, besides giving their statement
• The 3-member panel, mandated to file report within 2 months, visited the stampede site and interacted with local people on Sunday

Meanwhile, the three-member judicial commission formed by the Uttar Pradesh Government arrived in Hathras to begin its probe into the incident. The panel chief, retired Allahabad High Court judge Brijesh Kumar Srivastava, told reporters the panel would soon issue a notice seeking help from locals and witnesses to share evidence related to the stampede with them. Their statements will also be recorded, he added.

Asked if the “godman” would also be questioned, Srivastava said the panel would speak to anyone needed for the purpose of investigation.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, self-styled godman’s lawyer AP Singh alleged conspiracy, which he attributed to Bhole Baba’s “rising popularity”, behind the stampede. “Witnesses have reached out to me and said there were 15-16 people carrying cans of a poisonous substance that they opened in the crowd. I have seen post-mortem reports of those killed and it showed they died of asphyxiation, not because of injuries,” Singh claimed.

He further alleged: “There were vehicles parked at the site to help the men escape. We have proof and will submit it. This is the first time I am speaking about it.” Singh claimed the witnesses who reached out to him requested anonymity. “We will demand security for them,” he added.

So far, nine persons, including key accused Devprakash Madhukar, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

On Saturday, the Hathras police had said they were also probing suspected funding of the congregation by a political party and warned of “strictest possible” action.

Madhukar was the main organiser and fundraiser of the ‘satsang’, where more than 2.5 lakh people had assembled, much beyond the permitted limit of 80,000, officials had said.

The “godman” has not been mentioned as an accused in the FIR lodged at the local Sikandra Rao police station.