Bhole Baba Aka Narayan Sakar Hari: Who Is This Self-Styled Godman Behind The Hathras Stampede?

A devastating stampede occurred at the conclusion of a satsang conducted by self-styled godman Bhole Baba in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, leaving over 80 people dead and many others injured. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with authorities rushing to provide relief efforts to the affected families.

The incident occurred at the conclusion of a satsang conducted by Narayan Sakaar Hari, also known as Sakaar Vishwa Hari or Bhole Baba.

Upon learning of the stampede, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, directed officials to reach the site immediately and provide all necessary assistance to the victims. Emergency services were mobilized to evacuate the injured and provide medical care.

Who is Bhole Baba?

Bhole Baba, whose real name is Narayan Sakaar Hari, has been a prominent figure in spiritual landscape for decades. While his followers extend beyond Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, both the preacher and his disciples maintain a low profile in the media.

According to a devotee, Bhole Baba had no religious mentor, and shortly after his voluntary retirement from service, he had a 'vision' of the deity, which sparked his interest in spiritual pursuits. He held 'satsangs' every Tuesday, and just before the Hathras incident, he conducted a similar event in Mainpuri district last week.

• Born in Bahadur village in the Patiali tehsil of Etah district Etah district, Bhole Baba claims to be a former employee of the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
• He allegedly left his job as an employee of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) 26 years ago to dedicate himself to spiritual pursuits.
• Today, he has millions of followers across the country, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
• Despite being a well-known figure, Bhole Baba shuns social media and does not have any official accounts on any platform. His influence is reportedly strong at the grassroots level, with his followers attending his programs every Tuesday in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
• Bhole Baba's satsangs are known for drawing large crowds, and despite restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, he continued to attract thousands of devotees. His programs typically involve sermons, prayers, and other spiritual activities.
• Bhole Baba's influence is reportedly strong at the grassroots level, with his followers attending his programs every Tuesday in Aligarh. His satsangs typically involve sermons, prayers, and other spiritual activities.