The tragic stampede incident at Phulrai village in Hathras has put a spotlight on Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari ‘Bhole Baba’. CCTV footage shows him leaving the village with his private convoy shortly after the stampede, which claimed 121 lives. The stampede occurred as devotees, mainly women, were returning home from a ‘satsang’ led by the religious preacher.
VIDEO | Hathras stampede: CCTV footage shows self-styled preacher Baba Narayan Hari alias Saakar Vishwa Hari 'Bhole Baba' leaving from the village (Phulrai) with his private convoy just after the incident. pic.twitter.com/t3yoTzVa74
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Police have attributed the stampede to overcrowding, with videos on social media showing bodies piled up outside a nearby hospital. However, the exact cause of the stampede is still under investigation.
Following the incident, police and special operation group (SOG) personnel entered the ashram of Baba Narayan Hari in search of him. Circle officer Sunil Kumar Singh reported that ‘Bhole Baba’ was not present at the ashram during their visit, although 50-60 sevadars (volunteers), including women, were inside. Additional superintendent of police, Mainpuri, Rahul Mithas clarified that the police visit was for security checks, not an investigation.
The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member judicial commission, led by a retired high court judge, to investigate the Hathras tragedy and explore the possibility of a conspiracy behind the stampede. The commission is expected to submit its report within two months.
An FIR has been filed against the organisers of the ‘satsang’ for allowing 2.5 lakh people to attend the event, despite having permission for only 80,000. The Uttar Pradesh police have arrested six sevadars, including two women, in connection with the stampede. Inspector general of police (Aligarh Range) Shalabh Mathur mentioned that the only accused named in the FIR, Devprakash Madhukar, is still at large, and a reward of Rs 1 lakh has been announced for information leading to his arrest. Additionally, a non-bailable warrant (NBW) will be issued against him. Mathur noted that Baba Narayan Sakar Hari, or Bhole Baba, is not named as an accused in the FIR but may be questioned if necessary during the investigation.