Tragedy in Hathras: Stampede at Religious Event Kills 121, Preacher Absconding 

Tragedy in Hathras: Stampede at Religious Event Kills 121, Preacher Absconding

A religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, turned into a nightmare on Tuesday as a massive stampede erupted, claiming the lives of 121 people, mostly women and children. The incident unfolded during a “satsang” organized by controversial preacher Sakar Vishwa Hari, also known as Bhole Baba.

Following the stampede, a pall of grief descended upon Phulrai village as families grappled with the sudden loss of their loved ones. Hospitals overflowed with the injured and distraught relatives searching for missing kin. Amidst the chaos, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a judicial inquiry into the tragedy.

Initial reports suggest the stampede occurred around 3:30 PM as Bhole Baba exited the venue. Some accounts claim devotees slipped in the slush created by the rushing crowd chasing his car. The death toll climbed to 121 on Wednesday, with six of the deceased confirmed to be from neighboring states.

While the cause of the stampede remains under investigation, a disturbing picture emerges from the FIR lodged by the state police. Organizers, including “Mukhya sevadar” Devprakash Madhukar, are accused of gross negligence and a deliberate attempt to mislead authorities. The FIR alleges that organizers concealed the actual number of expected attendees, hindering proper crowd management. Furthermore, they are accused of obstructing traffic flow and attempting to destroy evidence after the incident.

Adding another layer of intrigue, Bhole Baba himself is now absconding. Police raids on his ashram in Mainpuri proved fruitless. Interestingly, his name is conspicuously absent from the FIR, despite being present in the initial complaint. This glaring omission has sparked suspicion amongst many.

Bhole Baba, a former police intelligence officer named Saurabh Kumar, left his 17-year career behind to pursue a spiritual path as a preacher. Donning a white suit and tie, he delivers religious discourses and organizes “satsangs” with his wife. His influence extends beyond Uttar Pradesh, attracting followers from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Despite maintaining a low profile on social media, Bhole Baba commands a dedicated following, known as “Baba’s army.”

The Hathras stampede raises serious concerns about the safety of religious gatherings in India. The alleged negligence by organizers and the suspicious absence of Bhole Baba necessitate a thorough investigation. As the judicial inquiry unfolds, it’s imperative to establish accountability and implement stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

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