Search for ‘Bhole Baba’ After Stampede in Hathras Kills 123 People

Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a search operation at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri for ‘Bhole Baba’, a self-styled godman, after a stampede at his satsang in Hathras resulted in 123 deaths.

An FIR has been registered, but ‘Bhole Baba’ has not been named yet. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sunil Kumar stated, “Baba has not been found inside the ashram.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site and ordered a judicial probe. A three-member Judicial Inquiry Commission, led by Justice (retd) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava, will investigate the incident and submit a report within two months.

The preacher, identified as Suraj Pal and also known as Narayan Sakar Hari and Jagat Guru Vishwahari, is still missing. The stampede occurred as devotees rushed to seek blessings and collect soil from around the preacher’s feet, leading to chaos and fatalities.