INVC NEWS
Lucknow : On July 2nd, a tragic accident occurred during a Satsang in Sikandra Rao, Hathras. Following this incident, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was immediately formed by the ADG Zone Agra and the Divisional Commissioner of Aligarh. This team conducted site inspections on July 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. A comprehensive investigation was carried out, involving statements from 125 individuals, including administrative and police officers, members of the public, and eyewitnesses. Additionally, the team reviewed news reports, site videos, photographs, and video clippings. Based on the initial findings, the SIT has primarily held the event organizers responsible for the accident.
Thorough Investigation and Findings
The SIT, through meticulous investigation, has outlined several key points. Firstly, it is established that the negligence of the event organizers played a significant role in the accident. The organizers failed to manage the crowd effectively, which led to chaos. The SIT also mentioned that the possibility of a conspiracy cannot be ruled out, indicating the need for a more in-depth investigation.
Event Organizers’ Negligence
The SIT report highlights the gross negligence of the event organizers. They invited a large crowd without making adequate arrangements for safety and order. The local police and administrative officers did not take the event seriously and failed to inform senior officials adequately. As a result, several officials, including the SDM, CO, and Tehsildar, have been suspended based on the SIT report.
Judicial Inquiry Initiated
In response to the incident, a judicial commission has begun its investigation. The committee’s report emphasizes the organizers’ failure to comply with safety regulations and police verification processes. This lack of adherence led to significant disorder at the event. The SIT has recommended further investigation into the event organizers and local administration’s role in the incident.
Key Points from the SIT Report
- Organizers’ Responsibility: The preliminary investigation identifies the event organizers as the main culprits behind the accident.
- Possibility of Conspiracy: The SIT has not ruled out the possibility of a conspiracy, suggesting the need for a thorough investigation.
- Local Administration’s Lapse: The local SDM, CO, Tehsildar, Inspector, and Chowki In-charge were found negligent in their duties.
- Improper Permissions: The SDM Sikandrarao granted permission for the event without inspecting the venue or informing senior officials.
- Inadequate Preparations: The event was not taken seriously by the local administration, leading to insufficient preparations for crowd control.
- Suspension of Officials: Based on the SIT findings, six officials, including the SDM and CO, have been suspended.
- Failure to Follow Protocols: The event organizers bypassed necessary police verifications and invited a large crowd without adequate preparations, leading to disorder.
Detailed Examination of Negligence
The SIT report provides a detailed account of the negligence exhibited by the event organizers and local administration. The organizers obtained permission for the event by concealing critical facts and did not comply with the stipulated conditions. They invited an unexpectedly large crowd but failed to arrange for adequate and smooth management of the event. The local administration, on their part, did not enforce the necessary safety measures.
Failure in Crowd Management
The report states that the organizers did not ensure proper barricading or passage arrangements, despite the large crowd expected. This lack of planning contributed to the chaos during the event. The committee also noted that the event organizers engaged in misconduct with the police, attempting to prevent them from inspecting the venue. The organizers allowed the satsang participants to mingle freely without any security arrangements, exacerbating the disorder.
Recommendations and Further Actions
The SIT has recommended stringent actions against the negligent officials and the event organizers. The report calls for a comprehensive investigation to uncover any larger conspiracy behind the incident. It emphasizes the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols for future events to prevent such tragedies.
Suspension of Key Officials
Following the SIT’s recommendations, the government has suspended several key officials, including:
- SDM Sikandrarao
- Police CO Sikandrarao
- Tehsildar Sikandrarao
- Inspector of Sikandrarao
- Chowki In-charge Kachora
- Chowki In-charge Pora
These suspensions underline the seriousness of the negligence and the importance of accountability within the administrative and police ranks.
Organizers’ Misconduct
The SIT report also sheds light on the misconduct by the event organizers. They not only failed to follow the conditions of the event permission but also attempted to hide facts from the authorities. The organizers did not conduct proper police verifications for the individuals involved in managing the event, leading to significant mismanagement. Their irresponsible behavior and lack of cooperation with the local police further aggravated the situation.
Lack of Safety Measures
The report indicates that the organizers did not implement necessary safety measures. There were no barricades or controlled passages for the crowd, leading to unregulated movement and the subsequent accident. When the incident occurred, the organizers fled the scene instead of managing the aftermath, showing a blatant disregard for public safety.
