A tragic stampede at a religious gathering, known as ‘Satsang,’ in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of over 120 people on Tuesday. The incident occurred as devotees rushed to collect dust from the feet of the preacher, known as ‘Bhole Baba,’ as he departed the venue in his vehicle. The organizers had obtained permission for a maximum of 80,000 attendees, but the event was significantly overcrowded, with an estimated 2.5 lakh people in attendance.
Bhole Baba, whose real name is Suraj Pal alias Narayan Sakar Hari, is a controversial figure. His followers believe he possesses healing powers and can cure ailments. Some even regard him as a ‘godman’ with magical abilities to grant their wishes. Notably, Bhole Baba was arrested in 2000 in Agra for allegedly taking the body of a 16-year-old girl from her family, claiming he could revive her. While the case was later closed, it highlights the controversial nature of his practices.
Following the stampede, Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested six individuals, including sevadars, who served as assistants at the Satsang. A non-bailable warrant has been issued for the chief sevadar, Devprakash Madhukar, along with a reward of ₹1 lakh for his capture. The police are also investigating the possibility of a conspiracy behind the incident.
Furthermore, authorities are scrutinizing Bhole Baba’s criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the event’s organization. It has been revealed that permission for the Satsang was not obtained in Bhole Baba’s name. The preacher’s lawyer, A P Singh, has stated that Bhole Baba is willing to cooperate with the investigation and claims that “some anti-social elements hatched a conspiracy”.
A three-member judicial commission, headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Brijesh Kumar Srivastav, has been appointed to probe the tragedy. The bodies of all the victims have been identified and returned to their families. In response to the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a monetary relief of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured in the stampede. Police personnel have been deployed outside Bhole Baba’s ashram in Mainpuri as a precautionary measure.
