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Hathras Stampede: Rahul Gandhi meets families of victims

Bhole Baba,&nbsp;the preacher at the centre of the Hathras stampede, used to stay at the home of the paper leak kingpin in Rajasthan.

Religious preacher Narayan Saakaar Hari or ‘Bhole Baba’ at whose satsang the deadly Hathras stampede took place, was familiar with a notorious paper leak accused from Rajasthan, police say.

Narayan Saakaar Hari used to stay at Harshvardhan Meena’s place in Dausa whenever he visited Rajasthan, according to the police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-stampede-rahul-gandhi-meets-family-members-of-victims-738161">Rahul Gandhi meets family members of victims</a>

ADGP (Special Operations Group) VK Singh said, Meena is the main accused in the 2020 Rajasthan Junior Engineer Exam (JEN) recruitment exam paper leak.

“We raided Meena’s house in Dausa in January in connection with the paper leak case. But before we reached, the preacher, who was staying with him, ran away. Although he is not linked to the paper leak case,” said Singh.

“Saakaar Hari used to organise satsangs at Meena’s house as well,” Singh added. Posters and banners of the Baba are still pasted in front of the house.

It was when an SOG official came across the pictures of the Hathras stampede in the media, they recognised that man as ‘Bhole Baba’.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-stampede-6-satsang-organisers-arrested-in-stampede-mishap-says-police-737796" target="_blank">UP police arrests 6, offers Rs 100,000 bounty on main accused</a>

Notably, Meena had allegedly arranged government jobs for over 500 youths in various government departments over the past 15 years by leaking papers of various competitive examinations.&nbsp;

As many as 20 beneficiaries are from his own family. When the police seized documents related to Meena’s properties in Jaipur, Dausa, and Mahwa, they discovered benami property worth Rs 5 crore ($5,98,847.50). 
 
The Special Operations Group arrested Meena in February 2024.

Who is Bhole Baba?

The preacher, who is commonly known as 'Bhole Baba', is a former UP police staffer who claims to have worked with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) for 18 years. He also claims that he took voluntary retirement in 1990 to pursue the path of spirituality.&nbsp;

Today, he is followed by thousands of people across north India, including in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and the capital Delhi.

Bhole Baba is not active on social media but he says his organisational structure is solid at the grassroots level.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hathras-tragedy-hunt-for-bhole-baba-underway-as-stampede-claims-121-lives-at-overcrowded-satsang-737453" target="_blank">&nbsp;Hunt for ‘Bhole Baba’ on after stampede at overcrowded satsang claims 121 lives</a>

He usually organises his religious events in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh every Tuesday where hundreds of 'devotees' assemble. During such gatherings, volunteers ensure necessary arrangements for the visitors, including food and drinks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bhole Baba, the preacher at the centre of the Hathras stampede, used to stay at the home of the paper leak kingpin in Rajasthan. Religious preacher Narayan Saakaar Hari or ‘Bhole Baba’ at whose satsang the deadly Hathras stampede took place, was familiar with a notorious paper leak accused from Rajasthan, police say.

Bhole Baba, the preacher at the centre of the Hathras stampede, used to stay at the home of the paper leak kingpin in Rajasthan. Religious preacher Narayan Saakaar Hari or ‘Bhole Baba’ at whose satsang the deadly Hathras stampede took place, was familiar with a notorious paper leak accused from Rajasthan, police say. Narayan Saakaar Hari used to stay at Harshvardhan Meena’s place in Dausa whenever he visited Rajasthan, according to the police. Also read: Rahul Gandhi meets family members of victims ADGP (Special Operations Group) VK Singh said, Meena is the main accused in the 2020 Rajasthan Junior Engineer Exam (JEN) recruitment exam paper leak. “We raided Meena’s house in Dausa in January in connection with the paper leak case. But before we reached, the preacher, who was staying with him, ran away. Although he is not linked to the paper leak case,” said Singh. “Saakaar Hari used to organise satsangs at Meena’s house as well,” Singh added. Posters and banners of the Baba are still pasted in front of the house. It was when an SOG official came across the pictures of the Hathras stampede in the media, they recognised that man as ‘Bhole Baba’. Also read: UP police arrests 6, offers Rs 100,000 bounty on main accused Notably, Meena had allegedly arranged government jobs for over 500 youths in various government departments over the past 15 years by leaking papers of various competitive examinations. As many as 20 beneficiaries are from his own family. When the police seized documents related to Meena’s properties in Jaipur, Dausa, and Mahwa, they discovered benami property worth Rs 5 crore ($5,98,847.50). The Special Operations Group arrested Meena in February 2024. Who is Bhole Baba? The preacher, who is commonly known as 'Bhole Baba', is a former UP police staffer who claims to have worked with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) for 18 years. He also claims that he took voluntary retirement in 1990 to pursue the path of spirituality. Today, he is followed by thousands of people across north India, including in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and the capital Delhi. Bhole Baba is not active on social media but he says his organisational structure is solid at the grassroots level. Also read: Hunt for ‘Bhole Baba’ on after stampede at overcrowded satsang claims 121 lives He usually organises his religious events in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh every Tuesday where hundreds of 'devotees' assemble. During such gatherings, volunteers ensure necessary arrangements for the visitors, including food and drinks. (With inputs from agencies)

India stampede: Bhole Baba linked to paper leak kingpin in Rajasthan, say police

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday (July 5) morning reached Hathras in Uttar Pradesh to meet with the Kin of the people affected by the July 2 deadly stampede.

Gandhi also stopped in Aligarh and interacted with families of the victims of the tragedy that took place at a religious 'satsang' event in which 121&nbsp;people were killed.

After his meeting Gandhi said one of the kin of the deceased told him that enough police arrangements were not in place for the religious event, which led to the stampede.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-stampede-6-satsang-organisers-arrested-in-stampede-mishap-says-police-737796">UP police arrests 6, offers Rs 100,000 bounty on main accused</a>

Gandhi further said he didn't want to politicise the tragedy and demanded more compensation for the families of those who died.

"It is a sad incident. Several people have died. I don't want to address this from a political perspective, but there have been deficiencies on the part of the administration. The important thing is that maximum compensation should be given, as these are poor families. I request UP CM Yogi Adityanath to provide compensation generously,” the Congress MP said.

“Any delay in compensation will not benefit anyone. I had a personal conversation with the family members of the deceased, and they told me there was no police presence. They are in shock, and I just wanted to understand their situation," Rahul was further quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a search operation at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri on Thursday (July 4) for the self-styled godman.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hathras-tragedy-hunt-for-bhole-baba-underway-as-stampede-claims-121-lives-at-overcrowded-satsang-737453" target="_blank">&nbsp;Hunt for ‘Bhole Baba’ on after stampede at overcrowded satsang claims 121 lives</a>

An FIR has been registered in the incident, naming organisers of the event.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mainpuri Sunil Kumar said on Thursday (July 4)&nbsp;that 'Bhole Baba was not found inside his ashram.

Earlier on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site of the tragedy and ordered a judicial probe into the incident.

The police on Thursday arrested six organisers of a religious gathering in Hathras district where the&nbsp;stampede broke out.

The police&nbsp;also announced a ₹1 lakh ($1197.69) bounty on the arrest of the main accused, identified as Prakash Madhukar.

<h2>Who is Bhole Baba?</h2>

The preacher who is commonly known as&nbsp;'Bhole Baba' is a former UP police staffer who worked with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) for 18 years. He took voluntary retirement in 1990 to pursue the path of spirituality.&nbsp;

Today, he is followed by thousands of people across north India, including in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and the capital Delhi.

Bhole Baba is not active on social media but he says his organisational structure is solid at the grassroots level.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hathras-stampede-death-toll-reaches-121-bhole-baba-still-at-large-737312" target="_blank">UP CM Adityanath vows to punish those responsible for incident that claimed 121 lives</a>

He usually organises his religious events in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh every Tuesday where hundreds of 'devotees' assemble. During such gatherings, volunteers ensure necessary arrangements for the visitors, including food and drinks.

Bhole Baba previously came to the limelight when he continued holding large religious events showing no regard for COVID-19 restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday (July 5) morning reached Hathras in Uttar Pradesh to meet with the Kin of the people affected by the July 2 deadly stampede. Gandhi also stopped in Aligarh and interacted with families of the victims of the tragedy that took place at a religious 'satsang' event in which 121 people were killed.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday (July 5) morning reached Hathras in Uttar Pradesh to meet with the Kin of the people affected by the July 2 deadly stampede. Gandhi also stopped in Aligarh and interacted with families of the victims of the tragedy that took place at a religious 'satsang' event in which 121 people were killed. After his meeting Gandhi said one of the kin of the deceased told him that enough police arrangements were not in place for the religious event, which led to the stampede. Also read: UP police arrests 6, offers Rs 100,000 bounty on main accused Gandhi further said he didn't want to politicise the tragedy and demanded more compensation for the families of those who died. "It is a sad incident. Several people have died. I don't want to address this from a political perspective, but there have been deficiencies on the part of the administration. The important thing is that maximum compensation should be given, as these are poor families. I request UP CM Yogi Adityanath to provide compensation generously,” the Congress MP said. “Any delay in compensation will not benefit anyone. I had a personal conversation with the family members of the deceased, and they told me there was no police presence. They are in shock, and I just wanted to understand their situation," Rahul was further quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a search operation at Ram Kutir Charitable Trust in Mainpuri on Thursday (July 4) for the self-styled godman. Also read: Hunt for ‘Bhole Baba’ on after stampede at overcrowded satsang claims 121 lives An FIR has been registered in the incident, naming organisers of the event. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mainpuri Sunil Kumar said on Thursday (July 4) that 'Bhole Baba was not found inside his ashram. Earlier on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site of the tragedy and ordered a judicial probe into the incident. The police on Thursday arrested six organisers of a religious gathering in Hathras district where the stampede broke out. The police also announced a ₹1 lakh ($1197.69) bounty on the arrest of the main accused, identified as Prakash Madhukar. Who is Bhole Baba? The preacher who is commonly known as 'Bhole Baba' is a former UP police staffer who worked with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) for 18 years. He took voluntary retirement in 1990 to pursue the path of spirituality. Today, he is followed by thousands of people across north India, including in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and the capital Delhi. Bhole Baba is not active on social media but he says his organisational structure is solid at the grassroots level. Also read: UP CM Adityanath vows to punish those responsible for incident that claimed 121 lives He usually organises his religious events in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh every Tuesday where hundreds of 'devotees' assemble. During such gatherings, volunteers ensure necessary arrangements for the visitors, including food and drinks. Bhole Baba previously came to the limelight when he continued holding large religious events showing no regard for COVID-19 restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

India stampede: Rahul Gandhi meets family members of victims

The police in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;on Thursday (July 4) arrested six&nbsp;organisers of a&nbsp;religious gathering&nbsp;in Hathras district where a&nbsp;stampede&nbsp;broke out and&nbsp;resulted in the tragic deaths of 121 people.

Aligarh IG Shalabh Mathur said, "Six people including four men and two women were arrested in the incident. They all are members of the organising committee and worked as ‘Sevadars’ for Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari or ‘Bhole Baba’".

The police have also announced a ₹1 lakh ($1197.69) bounty on the arrest of the main accused, identified as Prakash Madhukar.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will&nbsp;be visiting&nbsp;the site of the incident&nbsp;and will interact with the victims of the&nbsp;unfortunate accident.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hathras-tragedy-hunt-for-bhole-baba-underway-as-stampede-claims-121-lives-at-overcrowded-satsang-737453">&nbsp;Hunt for ‘Bhole Baba’ on after stampede at overcrowded satsang claims 121 lives</a>

On Wednesday (July 3) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adithyanath ordered a judicial probe into the incident.

While police filed an FIR against the organisers and the probe is underway, Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari, (preacher who held a Satsang on July 2) has not been named in the case.

<h2>Who is Bhole Baba?</h2>

The preacher who is commonly known as&nbsp;'Bhole Baba' is a former UP police staffer who worked with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) for 18 years. He took voluntary retirement in 1990 to pursue the path of spirituality.&nbsp;

Today, he is followed by thousands of people across north India, including in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and the capital Delhi.

Bhole Baba is not active on social media but he says his organisational structure is solid at the grassroots level.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hathras-stampede-death-toll-reaches-121-bhole-baba-still-at-large-737312">UP CM Adityanath vows to punish those responsible for incident that claimed 121 lives</a>

He usually organises his religious events in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh every Tuesday where hundreds of 'devotees' assemble. During such gatherings, volunteers ensure necessary arrangements for the visitors, including food and drinks.

Bhole Baba previously came to the limelight when he continued holding large religious events showing no regard for COVID-19 restrictions.

<h2>How did the stampede break out?</h2>

As per media reports, the 'devotees' were stopped from leaving the Hathras venue despite heat and humidity so that the preacher and his retinue could leave first.

Finally, when the visitors were allowed to exit, chaos broke out as people couldn't hold back due to heat. This led to the stampede tragedy, claiming more than 80 lives, mostly women.

(With inputs from agencies)

<o:p></o:p>

The police in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday (July 4) arrested six organisers of a religious gathering in Hathras district where a stampede broke out and resulted in the tragic deaths of 121 people.

The police in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday (July 4) arrested six organisers of a religious gathering in Hathras district where a stampede broke out and resulted in the tragic deaths of 121 people. Aligarh IG Shalabh Mathur said, "Six people including four men and two women were arrested in the incident. They all are members of the organising committee and worked as ‘Sevadars’ for Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari or ‘Bhole Baba’". The police have also announced a ₹1 lakh ($1197.69) bounty on the arrest of the main accused, identified as Prakash Madhukar. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will be visiting the site of the incident and will interact with the victims of the unfortunate accident. Also read: Hunt for ‘Bhole Baba’ on after stampede at overcrowded satsang claims 121 lives On Wednesday (July 3) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adithyanath ordered a judicial probe into the incident. While police filed an FIR against the organisers and the probe is underway, Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari, (preacher who held a Satsang on July 2) has not been named in the case. Who is Bhole Baba? The preacher who is commonly known as 'Bhole Baba' is a former UP police staffer who worked with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) for 18 years. He took voluntary retirement in 1990 to pursue the path of spirituality. Today, he is followed by thousands of people across north India, including in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and the capital Delhi. Bhole Baba is not active on social media but he says his organisational structure is solid at the grassroots level. Also read: UP CM Adityanath vows to punish those responsible for incident that claimed 121 lives He usually organises his religious events in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh every Tuesday where hundreds of 'devotees' assemble. During such gatherings, volunteers ensure necessary arrangements for the visitors, including food and drinks. Bhole Baba previously came to the limelight when he continued holding large religious events showing no regard for COVID-19 restrictions. How did the stampede break out? As per media reports, the 'devotees' were stopped from leaving the Hathras venue despite heat and humidity so that the preacher and his retinue could leave first. Finally, when the visitors were allowed to exit, chaos broke out as people couldn't hold back due to heat. This led to the stampede tragedy, claiming more than 80 lives, mostly women. (With inputs from agencies)

India stampede: UP police arrests 6, offers Rs 100,000 bounty on main accused

After a deadly stampede during a religious event in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, the death toll has now risen to 121. Investigation underway to determine accountability for the loss of lives. Watch in for moe details!

Hathras stampede: Tragedy strikes religious event in Hathras, devotees suffocted to death

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India stampede: Hunt on for 'Godman' | Saudi revokes Kerala man's death penalty

Six pilgrims died and 10 others injured in a stampede in India&#39;s eastern state of West Bengal as they scrambled to get onto a jetty while on their way back from a religious festival.

The stampede occurred around&nbsp;6 pm&nbsp;at Kachuberia, the landing point on the Gangasagar island, a famous pilgrimage spot in the state.&nbsp;

Around 1.5 million people had assembled at Gangasagar for a two-day harvest festival, &#39;Makar Sankranti&#39;.

The pilgrims were in a rush to board the vessels which would ferry them to state capital Kolkata,&nbsp;located about 100&nbsp;kms&nbsp;from Kachuberia.

&quot;Six women have died in the stampede while they were trying to cross a jetty near Gangasagar,&quot; local minister Manturam Pakhira told AFP.

All the pilgrims were middle-aged but are yet to be identified.

A search has been launched by naval divers to find out anyone else who might have fallen into the Buriganga river, a tributary of the Hooghly river, during the stampede, district officials told PTI.

Around 16 lakh pilgrims took the customary holy dip in the last two days on the occasion of &#39;Makar Sankranti&#39;&nbsp;at Ganga Sagar, West Bengal&#39;s public health engineering and rural development Minister Subrata Mukherjee said.

Thousands of devotees from across the country gather every year at Gangasagar, where the Ganges river flows into the sea, to take a dip in the holy waters and pray at the temple of Hindu god Kapil Muni.

The stampede came a day after an overcrowded boat capsized in the Ganga river in&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;Bihar state, killing at least 26 people returning after celebrating the Makar&nbsp;Sakranti&nbsp;festival.

Last year, 24 people died after a stampede broke out in the Hindu holy town of Varanasi.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The incident took place at Kachuberia, the landing point on the Gangasagar island, a famous pilgrimage spot in the state

Six pilgrims died and 10 others injured in a stampede in India's eastern state of West Bengal as they scrambled to get onto a jetty while on their way back from a religious festival. The stampede occurred around 6 pm at Kachuberia, the landing point on the Gangasagar island, a famous pilgrimage spot in the state. Around 1.5 million people had assembled at Gangasagar for a two-day harvest festival, 'Makar Sankranti'. The pilgrims were in a rush to board the vessels which would ferry them to state capital Kolkata, located about 100 kms from Kachuberia. "Six women have died in the stampede while they were trying to cross a jetty near Gangasagar," local minister Manturam Pakhira told AFP. All the pilgrims were middle-aged but are yet to be identified. A search has been launched by naval divers to find out anyone else who might have fallen into the Buriganga river, a tributary of the Hooghly river, during the stampede, district officials told PTI. Around 16 lakh pilgrims took the customary holy dip in the last two days on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti' at Ganga Sagar, West Bengal's public health engineering and rural development Minister Subrata Mukherjee said. Thousands of devotees from across the country gather every year at Gangasagar, where the Ganges river flows into the sea, to take a dip in the holy waters and pray at the temple of Hindu god Kapil Muni. The stampede came a day after an overcrowded boat capsized in the Ganga river in neighbouring Bihar state, killing at least 26 people returning after celebrating the Makar Sakranti festival. Last year, 24 people died after a stampede broke out in the Hindu holy town of Varanasi. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Stampede kills six in religious India festival

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