Hathras stampede: Main accused Devprakash Madhukar surrenders in Delhi, to be produced in court today

Devprakash Madhukar, a former MGNREGA official in the Sheetalpur block of Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, rose to prominence as the key figure in the tragic Hathras stampede, which killed 121 people on July 2. Nipun Agarwal, the superintendent of police for Hathras, told The Hindu that the accused was held late on July 5 and would appear in court on July 6 (Saturday). He began by working in 20 panchayats as a technical assistant supervising MGNREGA projects. But after he was accused of being involved in the stampede, he left this administrative position and became the main accused in the case, which sparked a lot of controversy.

The situation was made more complex by Madhukar's close relationship with Narayaan Sakar Hari, popularly known as Bhole Baba, and his active participation in his satsang gatherings. His commitment to involving village residents in Bhole Baba's organisation, as well as his unsuccessful attempt to become village pradhan, demonstrated his influence and standing in the community.

Public interest in the case increased after Madhukar's surrender and subsequent arrest by the Uttar Pradesh police in Delhi, after which he was named as the "mukhya sevadar." There was also a reward offered for his capture. The extent of his involvement was further highlighted by the fact that his contract was being terminated due to the FIR and his major contribution to the MGNREGA development work.

Madhukar was involved in more than just his work; his family's connections to the panchayat and his residence in Hathras town further entangled him in the complex network of events. Layers to this developing story were added when his background and participation in the satsang brought attention to the situation's complexity.