||Black and White Digital News ||

||Tejveer Singh July 05 ,2024 ||

Hathras : In the aftermath of the tragic stampede at a satsang event in Hathras on July 2, which claimed 121 lives, the Uttar Pradesh Police are under scrutiny for not naming self-styled preacher Surajpal, also known as ‘Narayan Sakar Hari’ or ‘Bhole Baba’, in the First Information Report (FIR). Inspector General of Police for the Aligarh range, Shalabh Mathur, addressed these concerns in a press conference, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and all involved will be held accountable.

Initial Findings and Current Focus:

The event in question was officially organized under the name of Dev Prakash Madhukar, who is now the primary suspect and currently evading arrest. Despite Bhole Baba’s significant involvement in the satsang, he was not named in the FIR due to the formal permissions being associated with Madhukar. IG Mathur stated, “The investigation is thorough, and we are committed to interrogating and taking action against anyone found culpable.”

Bhole Baba’s Controversial Background:

Surajpal, who later adopted the moniker ‘Narayan Sakar Hari’, has a murky past. He took voluntary retirement from the UP police in the 1990s while serving as a constable in Agra. During his tenure, he was implicated in a case at the Shahganj police station in Agra but was later acquitted. Current investigations are delving into his history to uncover any additional charges or misconducts.

Mathur elaborated, “We are scrutinizing police records across the country to determine if Bhole Baba has any other criminal cases pending against him. This comprehensive approach is part of our commitment to a full investigation.”

Arrests and Rewards:

To date, six members of the satsang’s organizing committee, including two female sevadars (volunteers), have been apprehended. The police have issued a reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to the capture of Dev Prakash Madhukar, who remains at large. Madhukar is known to be a close associate of Bhole Baba, playing a crucial role in organizing the events.

Rise and Influence of Bhole Baba:

Bhole Baba, who hails from a village in Kasganj district of the Aligarh division, has built a significant following since his retirement from the police force. His transformation into a spiritual leader saw him adopting the name ‘Narayan Sakar Hari’ and later ‘Sakar Vishwa Hari Baba’. He is known for his distinctive appearance in white attire and is often seen with his wife during sermons.

Bhole Baba’s teachings are unique in that he claims direct divine inspiration rather than following any traditional guru. This has attracted a diverse group of followers, including several political figures. His satsangs, which are predominantly held on Tuesdays, draw large crowds and have become notable events attended by MPs and MLAs.

Police and Public Response:

The police are under pressure to deliver swift justice and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. The tragic stampede has sparked widespread concern over safety measures and the organization of large public events. IG Mathur reassured the public, stating, “We are committed to uncovering the full truth and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of this unfortunate incident.”

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on apprehending the primary accused, Dev Prakash Madhukar, and determining the full extent of Bhole Baba’s involvement. The police have intensified their search efforts and are encouraging the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation.

This tragic incident has highlighted the need for stringent oversight and regulation of large gatherings to prevent such disasters in the future. The UP Police have vowed to implement stronger measures to ensure public safety and maintain order during similar events.