Hathras stampede: SIT chief says 90 statements recorded, evidence points to organisers' culpability

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the reasons behind the Hathras stampede in which 121 devotees were killed, has recorded at least 90 statements while it works on a detailed report, even as the prime accused in the crime- chief organiser Devprakash Madhukar remained on the run.

According to PTI, ADG for Agra zone Anupam Kulshreshtha, who is heading the SIT, said 90 statements had been recorded so far. The agency reported statements of district magistrate Ashish Kumar, superintendent of police Nipun Agarwal and senior health department officials who tended to the situation arising out of the stampede, were also recorded Six sevadars have already been arrested so far and a reward of ₹1 lakh has been imposed on Madhukar who remains absconding.

"Definitely, the gathered evidence suggests culpability on part of the organisers of the event," she said.

Meanwhile the search for the chief organiser was expanded to Haryana and Rajasthan.