Hathras Tragedy Sheds Light on Bhole Baba's Growing Influence in UP

The tragic stampede in Hathras on Tuesday resulted in over 100 deaths. This incident took place during a gathering of Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba. Bhole Baba, originally named Surajpal, is a former policeman who turned to religious preaching two decades ago, gaining a significant following in western Uttar Pradesh.

Surajpal, a native of Bahadur Nagar in Kasganj district, left his police job in the late 1990s to pursue spirituality. He began conducting satsangs, or religious sermons, and established an ashram in Bahadur Nagar. His fame grew rapidly among the poor and deprived sections, leading to lakhs of followers.

Details of the Incident

The stampede occurred as people were leaving a satsang held in Phulrai village. The event was conducted by Bhole Baba and resulted in the deaths of 116 people. According to officials, the tragedy happened when devotees tried to get a glimpse of Bhole Baba and collect soil from around his feet.

Vinod Kumar Suryavanshi from Barse village lost his 72-year-old maternal aunt in the tragedy. He mentioned that his aunt and mother had been following Bhole Baba's sermons for about 15 years. The District Magistrate Ashish Kumar stated that the satsang was a private function with permission granted by the sub-divisional magistrate.

Background of Bhole Baba

Circle Officer Vijay Kumar Rana explained that Surajpal left his police job and turned to spirituality in the late 1990s. He started conducting religious sermons and set up a Trust after one of his three brothers died. Surajpal appointed a caretaker for his property in Bahadurgarh, where his ashram is located.

Surajpal belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community and has no children. He takes his wife along with him to satsangs. A follower from Hathras mentioned that Baba conducts sermons and keeps his own volunteers for security, who manage the arrangements for his satsangs.

Security Arrangements

District Magistrate Ashish Kumar noted that while the local administration provided security outside the venue, the organisers were responsible for arrangements inside. The stampede is considered one of the worst such tragedies in recent years.

Bhole Baba's influence grew significantly after establishing his ashram in Bahadur Nagar. His popularity among the poor and deprived sections led to a large following. Despite this tragic event, his followers continue to hold him in high regard.

The incident highlights the need for better crowd management at large gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.