CONGRESS CALLS FOR LAW TO CURB INFLUENCE OF ‘FAKE’ GODMEN AFTER 121 KILLED IN HATHRAS STAMPEDE
Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has demanded a law to regulate religious congregations and curb the influence of “fake” godmen, a day after a stampede during a gathering in Uttar Pradesh claimed 121 lives Tuesday.
Kharge told Rajya Sabha Wednesday that the Hathras tragedy could have been prevented. “Laws were enacted in Karnataka and Maharashtra which strictly dealt with suspicious activities of fake godmen. We demand a similar law in Uttar Pradesh, which witnessed a tragic stampede Tuesday. There should be a statement from the home minister as well,” Kharge said.
The stampede in Hathras occurred during a “satsang” (prayer meeting) conducted by self-proclaimed godman Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba. He has his “ashram” in Mainpuri, approximately 100 km from Fulrai village, where he organised the event that attracted at least 15,000 thousands of devotees.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was in Hathras Wednesday to meet those under treatment for injuries suffered during the stampede. An FIR under Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita sections has been filed against the organisers, including main volunteer Devprakash Madhukar and other unidentified individuals.
In his reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s address to a joint session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Tuesday expressed his condolences for the victims of the tragic stampede in Hathras. He paused his speech to acknowledge and mourn the loss of lives as soon as he was informed about the unfortunate incident.
“There are reports of many people dying in the stampede in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. I express my condolences to those who lost their lives in this accident. I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The administration is engaged in relief and rescue work under the supervision of the state government. Senior officials of the central government are in constant touch with the Uttar Pradesh government. I assure everyone through this House that the victims will be helped in every way,” he said.
The Prime Minister also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.
“All things are under investigation, and we do not want to influence the probe by jumping to conclusions. The case will proceed based on the findings of the investigation,” UP Director General of Police Prashant Kumar told reporters Tuesday.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
2024-07-03T10:49:19Z dg43tfdfdgfd