Who is Narayan Saakar Hari — Cop Turned Saint Whose Satsang Led to Stampede in Hathras

Hathras: The number of casualties continues to rise in a tragic stampede during the Satsang of self-proclaimed preacher Narayan Saakar Hari popularly known as Bhole Baba in Phulwari, Hathras.  At the time of filing the article, over 100 people died, and several others were injured in the stampede at the religious congregation. Senior Superintendent of Police, Etah, Rajesh Kumar Singh, said, "Twenty-seven bodies have arrived in Etah hospital. A woman who attended the 'Satsang' stated that the event was organized in honour of Narayan Saakar Hari. The stampede occurred as the crowd began to disperse.  "There was a Satsang of Bhole Baba going on. Right after the Satsang finished, several people started coming out from there. A stampede took place as the road was uneven and people fell on each other...", the woman, an eyewitness said. 

Who is Narayan Saakar Hari Aka Bhole Baba?

Narayan Saakar Hari, who refers to himself as a disciple of Hari, has a significant following in western Uttar Pradesh. A native of Patiali village in Kanshiram Nagar (Kasganj), the self-styled guru initially served in the Uttar Pradesh Police. After 18 years of service, he claimed that he took voluntary retirement and now lives in a hut in his village. 

He spends his time traveling across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states, teaching devotion to God. In his youth, he worked in agriculture with his father, the self-styled guru claimed. 

After joining the police, Narayan Shaakar Hari was posted in various police stations and even served in the Intelligence Unit. He claims that he does not have a guru and that his spiritual journey began after a sudden divine encounter following his VRS. This encounter inspired him to realize that the human body is a part of the supreme being. Determined to dedicate his life to the welfare of humanity, the self-proclaimed saint states that he only travels upon invitation from his devotees. He has been organizing gatherings in various locations at the request of his followers.

His Massive Following

Hari asserts that his devotees number in the millions. His gatherings often see attendance exceeding 50,000 people. His teachings focus on the welfare of humanity, urging his followers to connect with God through service to others.

Six Criminal Cases Against Narayan Saakar Hari

Meanwhile, former Uttar Pradesh DGP Vikram Singh, speaking to a leading channel, claimed that there are six criminal cases against the self-proclaimed spiritual guru, including charges of sexual harassment. "Let’s assume he's a baba and is highly revered. At the very least, there should be basic police arrangements, proper access routes, and emergency services in place in case of any disaster", Singh said.  

Hathras Stampede  

One video clip showed a woman crying, sitting among five or six bodies in a truck. Another picture showed a man and a woman lying lifeless in another vehicle. Eyewitness Shakuntala Devi told PTI Videos that the stampede took place while people were leaving the venue at the end of the 'Satsang'. They fell atop each other, she said.

What Led to The Stampede? 

The stampede apparently occurred due to overcrowding, Sikandra Rao police station SHO Ashish Kumar said. According to officials, a team comprising the Agra additional director general of police and the divisional commissioner of Aligarh will probe the incident.

Condolences Pour In

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the stampede and instructed officials to reach the accident site and carry out relief measures. He announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for the families of the dead and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.

The Uttar Pradesh government said an FIR will be registered against the organisers of the programme. Adityanath also directed the district administration to arrange for proper treatment of those injured and immediately take them to hospitals. He wished them a speedy recovery.

In a post on 'X' in Hindi, he said, "The loss of lives in the unfortunate accident in Hathras district is extremely sad and heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the bereaved family." Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh ministers Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary and Sandeep Singh were headed for the incident site and the chief secretary and police chief have been directed to reach the spot.

Sikandra Rao MLA Birendra Singh Rana told PTI that the 'satsang' was a daylong affair.