Hathras Stampede: ‘Bhole Baba’ Aka Suraj Pal, Self-styled Godman At The Centre Of Tragedy

Hathras Stampede: Over 120 people were killed after a stampede took place at ‘satsang’ gathering of a self-styled godman in Uttar Pradesh’s district on July 2.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 3 July 2024 5:32 pm

Hathras stampede spot | Photo: PTI

At the center of the tragedy that left over 120 dead in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras is self-styled godman famous as “Bhole Baba” among his followers. It was during “Bhole Baba’s” gathering ‘satsang’ yesterday on July 2 that the stampede occurred and precious lives including children, women and men were lost.

“Bhole Baba” is actually Suraj Pal whose ‘satsang’ descended into chaos and tragedy as a stampede resulted in the death of over 120 people.

Police personnel outside a hospital where victims of the Hathras' stampede are admitted, in Etah - PTI

Hathras stampede: Plea in SC Seeks Expert Panel Probe Over Incident

BY PTI

Reportedly, the stampede, which occurred in Hathras, was reportedly triggered by a frenzied rush to collect dust under the godman's feet, leading to a deadly crush where men, women, and children were trampled underfoot.

The video of the incident on social media platforms also shows the godman leaving the venue in his car, while hundreds of devotees run behind his car to gather the dust as a token of blessings.

Hathras Stampede: Shocked After Seeing Pile Of Bodies, Policeman Dies Of Heart Attack

BY Outlook Web Desk

The revered figure to his followers “Bhole Baba” has been known for his controversial 'satsangs'.

“Bhole Baba” aka Suraj Pal has a history of legal troubles, including allegations of sexual assault.

Footwears lying at the scene a day after a massive stampede that took during a 'satsang' (religious congregation), in Sikandara Rao area in Hathras district, Wednesday, July 3, 2024. - PTI

Hathras Stampede FIR: Permit For 80,000 People, 2,5 Lakh Turned Up For 'Satsang'; Chaos Ensued On 'Baba's' Exit

BY Outlook Web Desk

There have been multiple cases filed against him in various jurisdictions including Agra, Etawah, Kasganj, Farrukhabad, and Rajasthan, while he continues to be revered figure among his followers. He commands a sizeable respected among his followers who are drawn to his promises of spiritual enlightenment and blessings.

Suraj Pal is said to have born in Bahadur Nagar, Kasganj. It is also reported that he (Suraj Pal) had a brief stint in the police department before facing legal troubles. In 1997, he faced trouble over allegations of sexual assault, for which he was jailed also.

Later, after serving his term in jail, Suraj Pal reinvented himself as 'Saakar Vishwa Hari Baba', attracting devotees to his ashram in his ancestral village. Thus, began the story of “Bhole Baba”.