Controversy Surrounds Exclusion of Bhole Baba from Hathras Stampede Charge Sheet

BSP chief Mayawati questions the exclusion of Surajpal alias Bhole Baba from the charge sheet in the Hathras stampede case, which caused 121 deaths. She alleges state government patronage, while Bhole Baba's lawyer accuses detractors of defaming Sanatan Dharma. The charge sheet named other organizers, sparking a political debate.

The exclusion of self-proclaimed godman Surajpal alias Bhole Baba from the Hathras stampede charge sheet has sparked political debate. BSP chief Mayawati raised concerns about possible state government patronage for Bhole Baba, despite his absence from the list of 11 accused in the tragic incident.

The stampede at Phulrai village resulted in 121 deaths, mostly of women and children. The charge sheet, submitted on Tuesday, lists Devprakash Madhukar as the primary accused, along with other unnamed organizers. Mayawati criticized the omission of Bhole Baba, calling it 'anti-people politics'.

In defense, Bhole Baba's lawyer, A P Singh, termed the accusations as attempts to defame Sanatan Dharma and malign the government. He questioned Mayawati's motives, as debates continue over the charge sheet's implications on future governance and public safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)