Hathras Stampede: Bhole Baba Has Sexual Assault Cases Against Him, Was Terminated From UP Police Service Following ‘Rape’ Accusations
Suraj Pal, also known as Bhole Baba, whose recent ‘satsang’ in Hathras resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 121 followers, has a checkered past, including five criminal cases and allegations of sexual assault.
Hathras, July 3: Suraj Pal, also known as Bhole Baba, whose recent ‘satsang’ in Hathras resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 121 followers, has a checkered past, including five criminal cases and allegations of sexual assault. Once a head constable in Etawah, he was terminated from the Uttar Pradesh Police 28 years ago following rape accusations, despite telling disciples he took voluntary retirement.
The self-styled godman, born Suraj Pal and now known as Bhole Baba or Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari, has been embroiled in controversy throughout his spiritual career, reported NDTV. His criminal cases span Agra, Etawah, Kasganj, Farrukhabad, and Dausa in Rajasthan. Bhole Baba claims he served in the intelligence department of the UP police for 17 years before turning to spirituality. Who Is Religious Preacher Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba Whose ‘Satsang’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras Ended in Tragedy?
Tuesday's tragedy unfolded when attendees rushed frenziedly to collect dust believed to carry blessings from under the godman’s feet, leading to a deadly crush where men, women and children were fatally trampled. Hathras Stampede Incident: Death Toll Rises to 121, FIR Registered Against Organisers of Religious Congregation.
Who is Bhole Baba?
Bhole Baba, 58, hails from a Dalit family in Bahadur Nagar village, Kasganj district, and began his spiritual journey in 1999.
Bhole Baba’s ‘satsangs’ are known for attracting massive crowds, with hundreds attending weekly events. Despite having no social media presence, his influence extends beyond Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The preacher and his followers remain media-shy, maintaining a low profile.
In 2022, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhole Baba held a ‘satsang’ in Farrukhabad, defying district administration’s limit of 50 attendees by drawing over 50,000 people. His events are protected by his security team, “Narayani Sena,” consisting of men and women guards who escort him from his ashram to ‘satsang’ venues.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2024 06:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).