Baba's lawyer blames toxic gas for tragedy

In a dramatic development, AP Singh, the lawyer representing Bhole Baba, has claimed that the recent deaths in Hathras were caused by a toxic gas released from cans, which in turn triggered the stampede.

- Biswajeet Banerjee

Singh, addressing the media on Sunday, alleged that the incident was a conspiracy against Baba owing to his growing popularity. "Witnesses have contacted me and reported seeing 15-16 people carrying gas cans, which were prised open at the conclusion of the satsang, leading to the stampede," he said. "The post-mortem reports show that the victims died due to suffocation, not from any other cause."

Singh has further suggested that vehicles were strategically placed to help those who released the gas escape from the scene. "We have evidence of this and will present it," he asserted. Singh also mentioned that the witnesses, who have requested anonymity, will need protection, and he intends to demand security for them.