Bhole Baba breaks silence on Hathras stampede, says 'work of anti-social elements'
Hathras stampede: Narayan Hari Bhole Babababa, whose satsang stampede killed 121 people, has now broken his silence on the incident. In his first reaction to the stampede, Bhole Baba stated on Wednesday that the incident was "the handiwork of anti-social elements and goons."
In a statement sent through his lawyer, the baba further stated that he left the event "before the stampede". He expressed his grief and condolences over the deaths of his followers and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured.
He also rejected the claim that the stampede began as followers rushed to touch the preacher's feet.
The preliminary government report claims that the stampede began when a huge number of his devotees rushed towards Baba Narayan Hari, also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, to collect his "charan raj," or soil around his feet.
The lawyer denied the report, claiming Bhole Baba never let anyone touch his feet. "Narayan Saakar Hari never lets followers touch his feet. The mention of the 'charan raj' is also false. There is no video or picture of such an act."
However, his lawyer, AP Singh, claimed that the rush was the result of a plan orchestrated by some antisocial people.
"Some anti-social elements hatched a conspiracy. When Narayan Saakar Hari left the venue, his vehicles left, and our volunteers and followers failed to understand what was happening due to the conspiracy. This was done as per a plan and should be investigated," he added.
However, locals believe the baba "fled the scene" on Tuesday afternoon, while people were dying.
Furthermore, the self-styled godman Bhole Baba said he was willing to cooperate with the probe after police raided his ashram in Mainpuri late Thursday.
Also Read | Hathras stampede: What caused stampede at 'satsang' & where is ‘Bhole Baba’?
A tragic stampede at a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district claimed the lives of at least 121 people and injured many more on July 2. The incident occurred following the conclusion of a Satsang led by Narayan Sakaar Hari, also known as Sakaar Vishwa Hari or 'Bhole Baba'.
Formerly known as Saurabh Kumar, the self-styled godman, had previously served in the intelligence department of Uttar Pradesh Police.
Bhole Baba, formerly Saurabh Kumar, left the UP Police after 17 years of service to pursue a spiritual journey as a preacher. He is frequently seen giving lessons in a white suit and tie.
He organises satsangs with his wife and is also known as 'Sakar Vishwa Hari Baba of Patiali'. Hundreds of people regularly attend his events.
- PTC NEWS
