The Uttar Pradesh Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) on Wednesday, July 3, against the organizers of a religious gathering in Hathras, where 121 people tragically lost their lives in a stampede. Notably, the FIR does not include Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari alias Bhole Baba, as a defendant.
The FIR names ‘Mukhya sevadar’ (main organizer) Devprakash Madhukar and other organizers for their roles in the incident, which occurred at the Sikandara Rao police station late Tuesday, as confirmed by a senior officer.
Charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, attempt to commit culpable homicide, wrongful restraint, disobedience to public servant’s orders, and causing disappearance of evidence, have been filed.
According to the Office of the Relief Commissioner, the death toll from the stampede rose to 121, with 28 people sustaining injuries.
The satsang, organized by Suraj Pal alias Narayan Hari alias Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, took place near GT Road in Phulrai Mugalgarhi village, Hathras district. While permission was sought for approximately 80,000 attendees, around 2.5 lakh people gathered, causing severe traffic congestion and halting vehicular movement.
After the satsang ended, chaos ensued as the crowd exited uncontrollably, resulting in tragic crushes of those seated on the ground. The organizers reportedly used sticks to try to control the crowd, exacerbating the situation in the water and mud-filled fields. Despite efforts by police and administrative officials to aid the injured with available resources, the FIR states that the organizers did not cooperate. The FIR also notes that Bhole Baba’s convoy left the venue around 2 pm on Tuesday.
In the wake of the tragic incident during the satsang in Hathras, many are curious about the identity of the Baba whose event drew such a massive crowd, culminating in disaster. The satsang was organized by Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, known simply as Bhole Baba among his devotees. Since the incident, little information has surfaced about him.
He initiated satsangs during his tenure and later adopted the name Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba after leaving his job. Establishing his ashram in Patiala, he swiftly gained prominence among impoverished and marginalized communities, amassing millions of followers.
Besides Uttar Pradesh, Bhole Baba commands a substantial following in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Both Bhole Baba and his followers maintain a deliberate distance from the media, personally overseeing satsang arrangements and preferring minimal media involvement in their events.