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Bhole Baba’s Lawyer Alleges Deliberate Poisoning By 15-16 People At Hathras Tragedy, Sparking Deadly Stampede

July 7, 2024, 6:51 pm

Days after 121 people died in a stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras, the lawyer representing the preacher Bhole Baba claimed the tragedy was caused by a group of around 15-16 individuals who sprayed poison during the event. He further asserted that these individuals quickly fled the scene after triggering the stampede.

The victims of the stampede were mostly women and children. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences over the incident. Both the state and central governments announced ex-gratia payments for the families of the deceased as well as for the injured.

While claiming that the stampede was planned, the lawyer said according to PTI, “A heart-wrenching incident happened. 15-16 people were involved in the conspiracy. The permission was taken. The map was attached to the permission. Some unidentified vehicles were there at the spot of the stampede. 10-12 people sprayed poison. Witnesses had said the women were falling and many died due to breathlessness. They fled from the spot. The SIT and SP Hathras are investigating. The CCTV footage should be seized, so that those vehicles can be identified.”

During a press conference in Delhi, lawyer AP Singh also suggested that a conspiracy was behind the stampede, attributing it to Bhole Baba’s “rising popularity.”

“There were vehicles parked at the site to help the men escape. We have proof and we will submit it. This is the first time I am speaking about it,” he added. Singh asserted that the witnesses who contacted him requested anonymity. “We will demand security for them,” he stated.

According to initial investigation reports, the organizers had obtained permission for the event with a maximum attendance limit of 80,000. However, over 2.5 lakh people reportedly attended the event.

Currently, nine individuals, including the main accused Devprakash Madhukar, have been arrested in connection with the stampede.

What Exactly Happened?

A stampede at Bhole Baba’s ‘satsang’ in Hathras on Tuesday, July 2, resulted in a tragic loss of life, with approximately 121 people killed and several others injured. The incident took place during the conclusion of the religious gathering at Phulrai village in the Sikandra Rau police station area of Uttar Pradesh.

The stampede reportedly began when devotees rushed to seek blessings from Bhole Baba after his sermon ended on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in chaotic and devastating outcomes.

Statement of ‘Bhole Baba’ After The Incident

The preacher on Saturday, Bhole Baba issued his first statement expressing deep distress over the tragic incident on July 2, which resulted in the loss of 121 lives. He conveyed solidarity with the victims and expressed confidence in the state authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

“We are distressed after the incident of July 2. May God give us the strength to overcome this sorrow. We should have faith in the government administration. Culprits will not be spared. We told through our lawyer that we stand with those who are going through this sorrow, with our body, money and mind,” he said.

Surajpal, also known as Narayan Sakar Hari and Bhole Baba, through his lawyer, has agreed to cooperate with the state administration and police in seeking an investigation into the matter. This statement follows his period of being out of public view after the stampede during one of his religious gatherings.

Bhole Baba

Bhole Baba, also known as Narayan Sakar Hari, whose real name is Suraj Pal, is a former government employee who transitioned into a spiritual leader with a significant following in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. He claims to have worked in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and served in the Uttar Pradesh Police before retiring from service to pursue spiritual leadership.

Originally from Bahadur Nagari village in Patiyali tehsil of Etah district, he left his government job 26 years ago to begin delivering religious sermons across Uttar Pradesh. He later resigned and established an ashram in Patiyali. Bhole Baba has millions of followers across Western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

Hathras Stampede: Surajpal, Alias ‘Bhole Baba’ Appeals for Support and Justice in Video Message, 4 Days After Tragedy

July 6, 2024, 9:07 am

Four days after the tragic incident, Surajpal, also known as ‘Bhole Baba’, expressed his deep sorrow over the events of July 2 through a video statement. He hoped that God would grant everyone the strength to endure the pain and urged people to trust in the government and the administration. Surajpal believed that those responsible for the chaos would be held accountable. He mentioned that, through his lawyer AP Singh, he had asked committee members to support the bereaved families and the injured, and to assist them throughout their lives.

#WATCH | Hathras Stampede Accident | Mainpuri, UP: In a video statement, Surajpal also known as 'Bhole Baba' says, "… I am deeply saddened after the incident of July 2. May God give us the strength to bear this pain. Please keep faith in the government and the administration. I… pic.twitter.com/7HSrK2WNEM

— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2024

The death toll in the stampede at a “Satsang” event in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, climbed to 121 on Wednesday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with the victims and later briefed the media on the incident. The FIR filed in connection with the case highlighted significant lapses by the organizers that contributed to the tragic events at the congregation.

Earlier after the Hathras stampede, Bhole Baba’s lawyer asserted on Wednesday that the incident was orchestrated by anti-social elements, countering the claim that it resulted from devotees rushing to touch the preacher’s feet. The tragedy, which claimed 121 lives, mostly women, occurred a day earlier. The incident, which resulted in chaos and tragedy, has sparked widespread concern and criticism.

Hathras Stampede Tragedy: ‘Rahul Gandhi Promises To Support’ Says Victims’ Family : Watch

July 5, 2024, 8:53 am

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrived in Pilakhna village, Aligarh, on Friday morning to meet with the families affected by the tragic Hathras stampede, which resulted in the deaths of 121 people and left over a dozen injured. The incident occurred during a religious gathering led by Suraj Pal, known as Narayan Sakar Hari or ‘Bhole Baba’.

After visiting Pilakhna village in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, following the Hathras stampede, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi assured a bereaved family member that he would assist through his party. The family member recounted, “He told us that he would help us with the help of the party… He asked us how everything happened…”

#WATCH | Hathras Stampede Accident | Aligarh, UP: After Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's visit, a member of a bereaved family says, "He told us that he would help us with the help of the party… He asked us how everything happened…" pic.twitter.com/umc6rS6NZX

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi departed for Hathras in Uttar Pradesh early Friday morning to visit the site of a tragic stampede at a religious gathering, which claimed the lives of 121 individuals and left 31 others injured. Before heading to Hathras, Gandhi first visited Pilakhna village in Aligarh to meet with families affected by the incident.

“Rahul ji left Delhi for Hathras around 5.10 am,” confirmed state Congress chief Ajay Rai.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reaches the residence of a victim of the Hathras stampede, in Aligarh. pic.twitter.com/zDVJ3ydR9o

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024

Accompanying Gandhi on this visit are state Congress in-charge Avinash Pande, party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, along with other party officials. Gandhi arrived at Pilakhna village in Aligarh at approximately 7.15 am after traveling by road from Delhi. Later in the day, he is scheduled to meet with more families of the stampede victims in Vibhav Nagar area of Hathras.

Hathras Stampede Tragedy: Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Meets Victims In Aligarh

July 5, 2024, 8:22 am

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrived in Pilakhna village, Aligarh, on Friday morning to meet with the families affected by the Hathras stampede, which claimed 121 lives and left over a dozen injured. The tragedy occurred during a Satsang led by religious preacher Suraj Pal, also known as Narayan Sakar Hari and ‘Bhole Baba’.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi meets the victims of the Hathras stampede, in Aligarh. pic.twitter.com/DrX4pLBGCS

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024

Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a search operation at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri on Thursday but did not find ‘Bhole Baba’. An FIR has been filed against the organizers of the event. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sunil Kumar confirmed that the preacher was not found inside his ashram, a sentiment echoed by Hathras City Superintendent Rahul Mithas.

Following his visit to the tragedy site, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a judicial probe, forming a three-member Judicial Inquiry Commission chaired by retired Justice Brijesh Kumar Srivastava. The commission aims to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation within the next two months.

Initial reports suggest that the stampede occurred when devotees attempted to seek blessings and collect soil from around the preacher’s feet, prompting intervention by security personnel. This resulted in a chaotic situation where several individuals fell and suffered injuries.

Hathras Stampede Tragedy: Bhole Baba’s Lawyer Denies ‘Charan Raj’ Claim | Key Points

July 4, 2024, 10:58 am

After the Hathras stampede, Bhole Baba’s lawyer asserted on Wednesday that the incident was orchestrated by anti-social elements, countering the claim that it resulted from devotees rushing to touch the preacher’s feet. The tragedy, which claimed 121 lives, mostly women, occurred a day earlier.

Key points regarding the Hathras tragedy include:

According to a preliminary government report, the stampede erupted as followers surged towards Bhole Baba to obtain “charan raj,” the soil around his feet. However, lawyer AP Singh contended that the stampede was the result of a conspiracy by anti-social elements.

He stated, “Some anti-social elements hatched a conspiracy… When Narayan Saakar Hari left the venue, his vehicles left, and our volunteers and followers failed to understand what was happening due to the conspiracy. This was done as per a plan and should be investigated.”

Singh emphasized that Bhole Baba never allowed his followers to touch his feet, dismissing the mention of “charan raj” as false and unsupported by any visual evidence. Although Bhole Baba was not named as an accused in the FIR registered by the police, he was reportedly absent from his ashram in Mainpuri, where the incident occurred.

DSP Sunil Kumar of Mainpuri clarified, “He (‘Bhole Baba’) is not inside, neither he was yesterday nor he is today.” As per the initial report, devotees attempted to approach Bhole Baba for blessings and soil, but were stopped by his security personnel. This led to a commotion in which people fell to the ground and others rushed towards a muddy field, resulting in fatal injuries.

The police have filed an FIR against Devprakash Madhukar, known as ‘Mukhya Sewadar,’ under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He was identified as the main organizer of the religious event. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has constituted a three-member judicial commission, chaired by retired Allahabad High Court judge Brijesh Kumar Srivastava, to oversee an impartial investigation into the Hathras stampede. The commission aims to scrutinize all facets of the incident over the next two months to ensure transparency.

“Organisers Attempted To Cover Up The Incident”: CM Yogi On Hathras Stampede

July 3, 2024, 5:56 pm

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that those behind the ‘prayer meet’ organized by godman Bhole Baba in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, “tried to cover up the incident” following his visit to the scene. The event resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of over a hundred people. “This will not happen again… there will be SOPs we will ensure that,” he said.

The Chief Minister announced that various apparent failures, including permission issues and a possible lack of crowd management and safety measures, had already been reported to a high-level judicial commission that will be chaired by a retired High Court judge. “The culprits won’t be spared” Yogi said.

At least 121 people were killed in this incident including children. Six devotees from the dead were from Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and rest were from different places of Uttar Pradesh.

“I talked to a few witnesses, and they told me that when women sought to touch the godman’s feet during the ‘satsang,’ a wave of people pressed forward, and security pushed back. Then they made an effort to hide the problem,” he remarked.

No arrests have been made by police so far.

Hathras stampede: Rahul Gandhi Asks INDIA Bloc Workers To Provide Aid

July 3, 2024, 1:55 pm

The Congress party expressed shock at the Hathras event and condolences to the loved ones of those killed in a stampede during Satsang.

In this tragic incident at least 121 were killed including children and many injured. This incident took place during a satsang by Suraj Pal also known as Bhole Baba. In Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also stated that the news of the death of many devotees due to the stampede during the Satsang in Hathras is extremely devastating.

Gandhi also said “I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The government and administration are requested to provide every possible treatment to the injured and relief to the affected families,”

Gandhi further requested all workers of the INDIA bloc to provide their cooperation in relief and rescue and hoped for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Congress Party Gaurav Gogoi also addressed this incident in Lok sabha saying “In these tough times we stand with the people of UP and Hathras. We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Congress Cheif Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his condolences through X “The news of the death of many devotees due to a stampede in the Satsang in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh is extremely painful. The scenes of the accident are extremely heart-rending. We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We urge the government and administration to leave no stone unturned in treating the injured and provide immediate compensation to the victims. Workers of opposition parties are requested to provide all possible help to the people affected by the accident.”

Police Probe Into Hathras Stampede Finds Serious Lapse

July 3, 2024, 11:54 am

Several flaws were discovered in the way the entire religious celebration in Hathras was planned, resulting in the terrible stampede that killed 121 people and injured several others on Tuesday. From no entry-exit points to a lack of emergency routes, Uttar Pradesh Police sources have identified serious blunders that contributed to the disaster, even as VVIP arrangements were made for religious preacher ‘Bhole Baba’.

According to the permission and the norms a gathering of 80,000 people should have different entry-exit points which was not followed at this event, even there were no entry exits found. At such a large gathering there was no medical team at the spot nor there were enough fans amid such hot and humid weather.

Also there was no barricading near the cavalcade of Baba because of which started running trying to get close to Baba.

According to police sources, the organisers failed to disclose the specific facts in their request for approval from the administration. According to insiders, the investigations thus far have revealed extreme carelessness in the manner in which approvals were granted by both the administration and the organisers.

A search operation was carried out at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri district to find Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba. ‘We were unable to locate Baba ji on campus. He’s not here.’ Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar said.

Hathras Satsang Tragedy : ‘The Fallen Didn’t Rise Again,’ Injured Pooja Recounts Horror; CM Yogi to Visit Hathras Today

July 3, 2024, 9:45 am

In Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, a tragic stampede occurred during a satsang by Narayan Sakar Vishw Hari (Bhola Baba) on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of more than 116 devotees, with many others injured. Attendees came from Hathras, Etah, Kasganj, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The casualties included seven children, one man, and 108 women.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow and ordered an investigation. Both central and state governments announced financial aid of two lakh rupees each for the victims’ families. The President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister, along with other leaders, expressed their condolences.

Survivor Pooja recounted that after the satsang ended, a rush through uneven fields caused people to fall and be trampled. She managed to stay clear of the chaos but witnessed the intensity of the crowd’s movement. Eyewitness Rajanshree, saved by a volunteer, witnessed injuries and a child being trampled. Many from her village remain unaccounted for.

In the aftermath, Baba’s followers searched frantically for loved ones amid the confusion. Guddo Devi from Kasganj described her daughter Priyanka being trampled as they left the satsang. Despite efforts to reach the hospital, Priyanka tragically passed away.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath vowed a thorough investigation into whether the incident was accidental or deliberate. Former policeman Surajpal, now known as Narayan Sakar Vishw Hari, retired from service to focus on satsangs after conducting them for 17 years. His gatherings, managed by a uniformed team, occasionally face logistical challenges.

Baba claimed divine inspiration post-retirement, attracting followers including civil servants and politicians. Tragedy struck further as policeman Rajneesh suffered a fatal heart attack while aiding the medical response to the incident.

Who Is ‘Bhole Baba’? Unveiling The Self-Styled Godman At The Heart Of The Hathras Satsang Tragedy

July 2, 2024, 7:49 pm

A tragic stampede at a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district claimed the lives of over 80 people and left many others injured. The incident unfolded at the conclusion of a satsang conducted by Narayan Sakaar Hari, also known as Sakaar Vishwa Hari or Bhole Baba.

Upon learning of the catastrophe, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to immediately reach the site and initiate relief efforts.

Bhole Baba, a revered spiritual leader, hails from Bahadur village in the Patiali tehsil of Etah district. Claiming to be a former Intelligence Bureau (IB) employee, he allegedly left his government job 26 years ago to embark on his mission of delivering religious sermons. Today, Bhole Baba commands a massive following across India, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

Unlike many modern religious figures, Bhole Baba remains absent from social media and does not maintain any official accounts. His followers assert that his influence is profound at the grassroots level.

Every Tuesday, Bhole Baba’s programs in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, attract thousands of devotees. Volunteers at these events ensure that attendees have access to food and drinks, among other necessary arrangements.

Bhole Baba gained notable attention for continuing to draw large crowds despite restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, showcasing his enduring appeal and influence.

The recent stampede has cast a somber shadow over his latest gathering, prompting a swift response from authorities and a call for enhanced safety measures at large religious events.