Lucknow, July 2: In an unfortunate incident in Uttar Pradesh, more than 50 people died, and several others were injured in a stampede that occurred at a religious congregation in Hathras today, July 2. Officials said the stampede incident occurred during a satsang event in Hathras's Pulrai village. As per reports, people had gathered in large numbers to attend the Satsang of Sakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, who is formerly known as Saurabh Kumar.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Superintendent of Police, Etah, confirmed the incident and said that at least 27 bodies arrived at Etah Hospital. Among those who were killed in the stampede were women and children. However, officials said that the death toll could be between 50 to 60. After the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that a team had been formed to investigate the causes of the accident. Hathras Stampede: 27 Dead, Including 25 Women and 2 Men, in Stampede at Religious Event in Uttar Pradesh; CM Yogi Adityanath Issues Directives to District Administration (Watch Videos).

Who Is Bhole Baba?

Amid all this, it has come to light that the satsang or a religious congregation, was organised by Narayan Sakar Hari Bhole Baba. So, who is Bhole Baba? As per reports, Bhole Baba was previously known as Saurabh Kumar. It is reported that he served in the intelligence department of Uttar Pradesh Police. After serving for 17 years, Bhole Baba quit his job and embarked on a spiritual journey as a preacher.  However, a few reports also claimed that Bhole Baba was known as Suraj Pal and served as a police constable in Uttar Pradesh police.

Narayan Sakar Hari Bhole Baba is often seen preaching in a white suit and tie. He also has a YouTube channel named Narayan Sakar Hari Bhakti, with over 31,000 followers. It is also reported that Bhole Baba organises satsang programs with his wife and is also known as Sakar Vishwa Hari Baba of Patiali. Hundreds and thousands of people attend his satsang events. Hathras Stampede: Over 50 Dead, Several Injured in Stampede at ‘Satsang’ in Uttar Pradesh; CM Yogi Adityanath Announces Compensation of INR 2 Lakh Ex Gratia For Families.

Narayan Sakar Hari or Sakar Vishwa Hari, aka Bhole Baba, was born in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district. It is also said that Bhole Baba has lakhs of followers across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Delhi, among others.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2024 07:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).