Self-styled godman Surajpal, also known as Bhole Baba, expressed confidence in the ongoing investigations by the SIT and judicial commission into the tragic stampede in Hathras that claimed the lives of 121 people. He stated his belief that the truth will eventually be revealed. In an interview with ANI, Surajpal conveyed his deep sorrow over the events of July 2, stating, “The incident extremely saddens me, but who can prevent what is destined to happen?” ( ‘Honi ko Kaun taal sakta hai jo aaya hai use ek din jana hai’).
Bhole Baba, whose real name is Surajpal, also reiterated a claim made earlier by his lawyer, A P Singh, that there was a “conspiracy” behind the stampede. He further alleged that some individuals are attempting to defame his organization, which he maintains is based on Sanatan and truth. “We have full faith in the SIT and judicial commission, and all the followers of the first Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavana Samagam also believe that truth will come out and the conspiracy will be exposed,” he said. He emphasized, “We trust the SIT and judicial commission, and the truth will come to light.”
Meanwhile, Bhole Baba’s lawyer confirmed on Wednesday that the self-styled godman has reached his ashram at Bahadur Nagar village in Kasganj. “He has reached his ashram and will stay here. He came here from his other ashram. He was never at anyone’s place or any hotel or another country,” Bhole Baba’s lawyer A P Singh told reporters in Kasganj.
The tragic stampede occurred on July 2 during a ‘satsang’ organized by Bhole Baba, attracting a crowd of over two lakh devotees despite permission being granted for only 80,000 attendees. More than 100 individuals, including women and children, lost their lives in the incident. The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted an SIT and a judicial commission to investigate the incident. So far, nine people, including key accused Devprakash Madhukar, have been arrested in connection with the stampede. Madhukar was the main organiser and fundraiser of Bhole Baba’s July 2 Satsang at Phulrai village in Hathras.
