An FIR has been filed against the organisers of a religious gathering in Hathras, where a stampede claimed the lives of 161 individuals.

The complaint alleges that the organisers concealed evidence and violated regulations, as the event drew 2.5 lakh attendees despite permission for only 80,000.

The FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police, however, does not name Jagat Guru Saakar Vishwahari, the conductor of the 'satsang', despite being mentioned in the complaint.

According to the FIR, the organisers misrepresented the expected attendance when seeking permission, neglected traffic management responsibilities, and attempted to hide evidence following the tragic stampede.

The incident happened when attendees stopped to collect mud from the path of the baba's passing vehicle.

The FIR, which was filed late Tuesday at the Sikandara Rao police station, names 'Mukhya sevadar' Devprakash Madhukar and other organisers, a senior police officer told news agency PTI.

According to the officer, the FIR has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 126 (2) (wrongful restraint), 223 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by the public servant), and 238 (causing disappearance of evidence).

The FIR apparently gave a clean chit to the police and administration, saying they did whatever possible from the available resources.

The organisers sought permission for about 80,000 people for which police and administration made arrangements.

However, over 2.5 lakh people gathered in the event. the conditions of the permission, GT road witnessed traffic jam and police and administration officials were working to clear it, the FIR said.

Meanwhile, the baba, who was the main speaker of the satsang came out at about 2 pm in his vehicle and devotees starting collecting mud from there.

Due to the heavy rush of devotees, those who were lying down (for taking the mud) started getting trampled.

Those running out from the spot were stopped by stick-wielding helpers of the baba standing on the other side of a three-feet deep field filled with water and slush due to which women, children and men got crushed, it said.