Hathras stampede: Uttar Pradesh Police have been conducting a search operation since last night at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri district for 'Bhole Baba', who organised the ‘satsang’ in Hathras in Pulrai village on July 2, where a stampede claimed 121 lives. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar confirmed that Baba ji was not located on the premises.
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“We did not find Baba inside the campus...He is not here..." said Deputy SP Sunil Kumar, as reported by ANI.
The state government has registered an FIR against the event organisers.
Narayan Saakar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba and Sakar Vishwa Hari Baba of Patiali, hails from Patiyali in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and was the spiritual leader hosting the 'satsang' event in Hathras where the tragic stampede has claimed over a 100 lives.
According to a report from Navbharat Times, Bhole Baba assisted his father in farming before pursuing spirituality. Born Suraj Pal in Bahadur Nagari village to farmer Nanne Lal and Katori Devi, he completed his early education locally and later served as a head constable in the UP police's Local Intelligence Unit.
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Claiming to have worked with the Intelligence Bureau, he resigned from the police in the 1990s to dedicate himself fully to spiritual teachings. Unlike many other spiritual leaders, Bhole Baba prefers white suits with ties or kurta-pyjamas over saffron robes. He is accompanied by his wife, Prem Bati, during his sermons.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her heartfelt condolences on social media regarding this tragedy, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge conveyed his deep sorrow over the incident.
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In response to the tragedy, the Prime Minister's Office and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the families of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for the injured.
(With inputs from agencies)