Ayodhya Chief Priest Blames Organizers for Hathras Stampede, Bhole Baba Expresses Grief

In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Priest of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das, commented on the recent stampede during a ‘Satsang’ event in Hathras. He stated that the organizers should take responsibility for the tragic incident.

Earlier, self-styled godman Suraj Pal Singh, also known as ‘Bhole Baba’, expressed his sorrow in a video statement. He said, ‘I am deeply saddened by the incident of July 2. May God give us the strength to bear this pain. Please keep faith in the government and the administration.’

Acharya Satyendra Das criticized Bhole Baba, saying, ‘He went underground after the incident. Now he is saying that he is saddened by the tragic incident. This is completely wrong. The one who organizes a ‘Satsang’ is responsible for the incidents that take place during that time. It was his responsibility. He should step forward and accept his crime.’

According to the police FIR, around 250,000 people had gathered despite permission being given for only 80,000. The main accused, Devprakash Madhukar, surrendered to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Special Task Force (STF), and Uttar Pradesh police. His lawyer, AP Singh, confirmed this in a video statement.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The stampede occurred when devotees rushed to seek blessings and collect soil from around the preacher’s feet, but were stopped by security personnel, leading to chaos.