More than 120 people were killed and many injured in a devastating crowd stampede at a religious event in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh. The tragedy occurred after a satsang led by Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as Sakar Vishwa Hari or Bhole Baba.
Who is Bhole Baba?
Bole Baba (real name Narayan Sakar Hari) hails from Bahadur village in Patiali tehsil of Etah district. He claims to be a former intelligence bureau officer. He quit his government job 26 years ago and started preaching religious sermons. He now has millions of followers across India.
Despite the important role that social media plays in modern religious movements, Bole Baba maintains a low profile online and has no official social media accounts. His followers claim that his influence is strong at the grassroots level.
Bole Baba’s programs are held every Tuesday in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and attract thousands of participants. Volunteers at these gatherings ensure that devotees receive necessary amenities such as food and drink. Notably, Bole Baba continued to draw large audiences even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bole Baba’s background and activities
Also known as Narayan Sakar Hari, Bole Baba, who often appears in public dressed in a white suit, tie, shoes and sometimes a kurta-pyjama, eschewing the traditional saffron robes worn by many religious leaders, says his interest in spirituality developed while he was still working, leading him to quit work in the 1990s and devote himself fully to religious life.
Narayan Sakar Hari’s satsangs are notable not only for their large attendance but also for the presence on stage of several prominent political leaders from Uttar Pradesh.
Criminal Cases Against Bhole Baba
According to sources, multiple criminal cases have been filed against Bole Baba, who led the satsang in Hathras. The satsang where the tragic crowd stampede took place was held at a monastery in Rathibanpur, close to the Hathras-Etah border. A large crowd had gathered to hear Baba preach.
Avoid social media
In an internet-dominated age, Bole Baba stands out for shunning social media. Unlike many contemporary monks and religious speaker, he has no official accounts on any social media platform. Nevertheless, his followers claim he commands a significant grassroots following.
This tragic incident casts a shadow over Bole Baba’s far-reaching influence and raises questions about the organisation and safety of large religious gatherings.
