Tragic Stampede at Bhole Baba's Satsang in Hathras Claims Over 100 Lives

A tragic stampede during Bhole Baba's satsang in Hathras led to over 100 fatalities. Bhole Baba, formerly Surajpal, a retired policeman turned religious preacher, organized the event. Chaos ensued as devotees tried to glimpse him, causing the deadliest stampede in recent years.

A tragic stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras claimed over 100 lives on Tuesday, marking one of the worst such disasters in recent years. The event was held by Bhole Baba, formerly Surajpal, a former policeman turned spiritual leader who has garnered a significant following in western Uttar Pradesh.

Surajpal, a native of Bahadur Nagar in Kasganj district, left his police career in the late 1990s to pursue spirituality and began conducting religious gatherings known as 'satsangs'. His popularity rapidly increased among the underprivileged and poor communities, attracting lakhs of followers to his sermons.

The stampede occurred as devotees tried to get a glimpse of Bhole Baba and collect soil from around his feet at the end of the satsang in Phulrai village. The local administration had provided security outside the venue, while internal arrangements were managed by Bhole Baba's volunteers. The tragedy has led to calls for better crowd management at such events to prevent future mishaps.

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