Suraj Pal, also known as Bhole Baba or Narayan Hari Sakar among his followers, organised a large religious gathering in Hathras that tragically ended in a stampede. This incident claimed the lives of 121 people, predominantly women and children. Suraj Pal oversees a network of 24 ashrams and possesses assets valued at a minimum of Rs 100 crore, as reported by sources familiar with the situation.
Pal, aged 65, has been absent since the stampede. He issued a statement attributing the tragedy to “anti-social elements”. Importantly, the police have not mentioned him in their initial complaint. On Thursday, they arrested six individuals, including some of his prominent aides, but still did not name him.
Pal’s empire is overseen by the Shri Narayan Hari Sakar Charitable Trust..The source of this wealth is unclear because most of Pal’s followers are poor people.
When Bhole Baba arrives in front of his followers, he is often seen wearing a white three-piece suit with a tie and stylish eyewear. He arrives in a procession accompanied by a convoy of 15 to 30 vehicles, led by 16 commandos in black uniforms riding powerful 350 cc motorcycles to ensure a clear path. Volunteers from his Trust, dressed in light pink attire and carrying batons, strategically line the route to facilitate his smooth passage. They also ensure that no one records or photographs the event. Pal himself travels in a white Toyota Fortuner, with its interior fitted with matching white seat covers, symbolising both luxury and spiritual authority, as described by a source.
Anil Kumar, a devoted follower for 11 years, explained that Baba does not trust the police and administration for security. Instead, he relies on his thousands of sevadars, who manage every aspect of security. Becoming a sevadar involves a formal application process and selection. They receive payment, food, and accommodation within the ashram.
The Hathras event did have permission from authorities, although the crowd is expected to have been twice what was expected.
Pal lives in the Mainpuri Ashram in Bichuva, spread over 21 bighas of Hari Nagar. This vast estate has six rooms specifically allocated for him and his wife. At the entrance of his Mainpuri ashram, a board lists 200 donors who have contributed amounts ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh.
“To our knowledge, Baba oversees 24 ashrams spread across various parts of the state and the country. This particular ashram, completed three years ago, serves as his residence and operational base,” another person said.
In May 2022, known for his substantial following in western Uttar Pradesh, Hari faced legal issues for exceeding gathering limits during a COVID-era satsang in Farrukhabad. Currently under scrutiny for the Hathras stampede, where authorities allege a massive attendance discrepancy, Hari is expected to face arrest, despite reports suggesting he may be evading authorities at his Mainpuri ashram.
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