Hathras: In his first public statement since the tragedy, Bhole Baba, whose most recent sermon ended in a fatal stampede, expressed his "deep distress" on July 6. This response comes four days after 121 devotees were trampled to death after being stuck at his ‘Satsang’ for hours, which he himself departed in a matter of minutes. Additionally, since the accident on Tuesday, the self-styled godman's whereabouts were not known to the public.
Baba, 60, was assigned as a constable in Agra during the 1990s before he took VRS and became a spiritual leader. He currently resides at an ashram in Bahadurnagar, which is 30 acres in size and 65 kilometres from the stampede scene. In addition to rural Uttar Pradesh, he gathers followers from Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes as far away as Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Police have discovered that Bhole Baba's organization had been receiving funds from political parties after tracking down several accused in the case. “We cannot discuss his role at this time. We would question him as well, if necessary, during the investigation,” Inspector General Shalabh Mathur of Aligarh stated at a press conference. Mathur further stated that the members of the Satsang's organizing committee, not Hari, requested permission for the event to take place in the Fulrai Mughal Garhi village.
Nipun Agarwal, the superintendent of police for Hathras, disclosed that Devprakash Madhukar, the primary accused, has recently contacted various political parties. This has led to inquiries into possible political plots related to the event. It was known that Madhukar supervised fundraising efforts for events that the self-identified godman planned.
An Event for 80,000 people, but 2.5 lakh were Allowed
When the 'godman' drove away from the event, his followers rushed to gather dust that had been blown up by the tyres of his car. Officials claim that when the godman's private security guards began shoving his devotees, some of them fell and were run over. Many more ran over them and stumbled as they escaped into the wide field amid the mayhem. Women and children made up a large number of the stampede victims' deaths. Eyewitnesses claim that when the rush started, just about 40 police officers were on duty to keep everyone safe at this large gathering.
Baba's distress
Finally speaking, the Baba expressed how saddened he is by the catastrophe, as would be the case for anyone who shares humanity. He also urged the victims' relatives to have confidence in the administration. "Those responsible for the incident will not escape punishment," he stated. However, victims of the stampede mostly blamed the administration for not taking sufficient steps to secure the venue in the first place. Additionally, there is a growing outcry calling for legal action against Baba in several sections of society. When hordes of people, troubled by their life’s problems, turn to godmen and faith healers for comfort, they are essentially searching for something to cling to. This mismanagement has caused damage to people in their most vulnerable state and that is bound to enrage the people of the country.
Inputs: Agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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