Search underway for missing godman after fatal stampede in Uttar Pradesh

A devastating stampede occurred during a religious satsang in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic death of at least 121 attendees. The event, led by the self-styled godman Bhole Baba, also known as Narayan Saakaar Hari, attracted an overwhelming crowd of more than two lakh (200,000) people, significantly exceeding the capacity of the venue.

The incident unfolded at a site that was too cramped to safely accommodate the quarter-million devotees who gathered to hear Bhole Baba speak. The overcrowded conditions quickly escalated into a deadly stampede, highlighting severe mismanagement and inadequate safety measures at the venue.

In the aftermath, Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a raid at the Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri district looking for Bhole Baba, who was reported missing after the event. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sunil Kumar, confirmed that the godman was not found at the location. The absence of Bhole Baba has raised concerns about his accountability and the legal implications of the tragedy.

Following the catastrophe, a writ petition was submitted to the Supreme Court by advocate Vishal Tiwari, urging the formation of a five-member expert committee under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the incident. The petition also seeks to establish stricter safety guidelines for mass gatherings and public events to prevent such tragedies in the future.

A formal case has been initiated against the event organizers and a key aide of Bhole Baba. Despite his controversial past and current allegations, Bhole Baba, whose real name is Suraj Pal Singh, was not named in the initial FIR.

Suraj Pal Singh, also known as Saakaar Vishwa Hari Baba after his release from prison, has a contentious history, including previous legal issues ranging from assault to sexual assault allegations. Despite these accusations, he has managed to attract a large following through his claims of spiritual enlightenment.

The Hathras stampede is a grim reminder of the critical importance of strict adherence to safety standards and proper event management, especially in large gatherings. The tragedy underscores the need for comprehensive regulatory reforms to ensure the safety of public events.