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

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.