Where Is Sakar Vishwa Hari Aka Bhole Baba? The Self-Styled Godman At The Center Of Hathras Stampede

A devastating incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, where a stampede at a satsang organized by Sant Sakar Vishwa Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, resulted in the deaths of 116 people, including women and children. This catastrophic event has left the region in shock and authorities scrambling for answers.

Bhole Baba, whose real name is Suraj Pal Singh, is now absconding, and his whereabouts are unknown. His phone has been switched off since the incident, adding to the difficulty of locating him. Bhole Baba hails from Bahadur Nagar in the Patiyali area of Kasganj district and is a former constable who left his job around 1990 to pursue spiritual endeavors.

Upon learning of the stampede, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered an immediate investigation and directed officials to provide relief efforts. He has called for an investigation report to be submitted within 24 hours, stating that it will also be examined whether the incident was an accident or a conspiracy.

The tragedy occurred at Pulrai village during a satsang attended by a massive crowd. According to Hathras DM Ashish Kumar, the event was highly crowded, with approximately 50,000 people in attendance. The SDM had granted permission for the satsang, and 72 police officers were deployed to manage the crowd. However, the situation spiraled out of control when the crowd was stopped to allow Bhole Baba's vehicle to pass. Once the convoy had passed, the sudden release of the crowd led to a deadly stampede as those at the back trampled those in front.

Bhole Baba's followers extend beyond Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and he has maintained a low profile in the media. His devotees claim that he had a 'vision' of the deity shortly after his voluntary retirement, which led him to spiritual pursuits. Despite his significant grassroots influence, Bhole Baba stays away from social media and has no official accounts.

Bhole Baba's regular satsangs are held every Tuesday in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and just before the Hathras incident, he conducted a similar event in Mainpuri district. His sudden disappearance has raised many questions, and the police are intensifying their efforts to find him and bring clarity to this tragic event.