Bhole Baba, a self-proclaimed godman by the name of Narayan Sakar Hari, has said that he is in “extreme depression” after the Hathras Stampede where 121 people lost their lives.
He told us that no one can avoid death and everyone must die sooner or later. “Though we all have to go one day; only time is sure,” he said.
Referring to the incident of Hathras with deep sadness, he noted, “We are deeply sad since July 2nd. We are depressed but who can escape fate? Anyone who comes will go away someday whether soon or late.”
He pointed out at eyewitness accounts about spraying poison gas indicating that the stampede may have been masterminded by some sort of “plot”.
Some individuals are trying to give a bad name to spiritual activities conducted in his organization.
The godfather said they had complete confidence in both the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Judicial Commission and members of Human Welfare Harmony Association who will reveal the truth as well as bring those behind this unfortunate event into light.
“We stand with families of all victims from this accident,” commented Godfather.
At least 123 people were killed in Hundres at Sikandrarau on July 2 during stampede at ‘satsang’ meeting organized by Bhole Baba.”
Following this tragic event, Uttar Pradesh government created special investigation teams (SIT) and judicial commission for probe purposes.
This was despite an FIR filed in Sikandrarau police station that did not list him as an accused person.
However, a report issued by SIT on July 9th maintained overcrowding as being responsible for stampeding while pointing out ‘conspiracy’ cannot be ruled out of it happening.
It was concluded from SIT’s work that crowd management was poor on part of those organizing the event. Officials confirm this statement saying both organizers and administration were responsible for this.
Bhole Baba’s counsel had earlier stated that the stampede was caused by “some poisonous substance” sprayed allegedly by some unidentified persons.
In addition, there is a judicial commission headed by Justice Brijesh Kumar Shrivastava of the Allahabad High Court and Hemant Rao, an ex-IPS officer looking into the matter.
Earlier reports from both government agencies including police indicated that organizers should take blame for permitting a gathering of over 250,000 people while only expecting 80,000 people to come.
The Uttar Pradesh Police have so far arrested nine individuals that include two women and three senior citizens. Among them are several sevadars (volunteers) of satsang such as Dev Prakash Madhukar who is said to be the main organiser of Hathras satsang.
Meanwhile, according to police he was among those who raised money for Narayan Sakar Hari’s programs and collected donations.
