Controversy Surrounds Exclusion of 'Bhole Baba' from Hathras Stampede Charge Sheet

Mayawati questions the exclusion of godman Surajpal, alias 'Bhole Baba,' from a 3,200-page charge sheet on the July 2 Hathras stampede, which resulted in 121 deaths. She alleges state government patronage. Eleven arrests have been made, with discrepancies in the length of the report causing further confusion.

BSP leader Mayawati has raised concerns over the omission of Surajpal, referred to as 'Bhole Baba,' from the 3,200-page charge sheet related to the deadly Hathras stampede on July 2, which claimed 121 lives.

The charge sheet, filed in court on Tuesday, names Devprakash Madhukar as the key accused, with ten others also arrested. However, Surajpal's exoneration suggests political shielding, Mayawati alleges.

She criticizes the Uttar Pradesh government for its silence over Surajpal's involvement and questions if this attitude will prevent similar future tragedies, branding the situation "anti-people politics."

(With inputs from agencies.)