6 sevadars arrested over Hathras stampede, say Uttar Pradesh police

NEW DELHI/Hathras: Three days after the stampede that claimed 121 lives at a religious congregation in Phulrai village, Uttar Pradesh police on Thursday arrested six "sevadars" from the organising committee, including two women. The main accused, Devprakash Madhukar, remains at large, while preacher Surajpal, also known as Narayan Sakar Hari or Bhole Baba, has not been named as accused.

Police also conducted a security check at Surajpal's ashram in Mainpuri, where they confirmed the preacher's absence. Additional superintendent of police Rahul Mithas clarified that their presence was for security purposes, not investigation.

Inspector-General of Police (Aligarh Range) Shalabh Mathur briefed the media, stating, "All six arrested individuals are volunteers of the 'satsang' gathering... A reward of ₹1 lakh will soon be announced, and a non-bailable warrant will be issued against key accused Devprakash Madhukar."

Those arrested are Ram Ladaite (50), Upendra Singh Yadav (62), Megh Singh (61), Mukesh Kumar (38), Manju Yadav (30), and Manju Devi (40). They were apprehended by officials from Hathras Kotwali and Sikandra Rau police stations.

The FIR, filed on July 2, includes charges related to culpable homicide, attempt to commit culpable homicide, wrongful restraint, disobedience of orders, and causing the disappearance of evidence.

In response to the incident, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi plans to visit the site to extend support to the affected, as announced by senior party leader K.C. Venugopal.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's suggestion of a conspiracy, asserting that the government must not evade responsibility for the tragedy.

Security measures remain heightened at the ashram following the stampede, with police and special operations group personnel maintaining vigilance.