Narayan Sakaar Hari, widely known as Bhole Baba, has gone missing following a tragic stampede during his satsang in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, where 121 people lost their lives.
The event, held on July 2, 2024, saw an overwhelming crowd of 250,000 attendees despite permissions for only 80,000, resulting in chaos during dispersal and numerous fatalities.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, prompting an investigation and FIR against the organizers for mismanagement. Leaders including Dimple Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Chandrashekhar Azad of the Bajrang Dal, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have visited the affected families, highlighting the impact and scrutiny on spiritual leaders in India.
Narayan Sakaar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, is revered across western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand, despite maintaining a low public profile and eschewing social media.
His satsangs, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, attracted thousands due to his grassroots popularity. Formerly associated with the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Bhole Baba claims a spiritual awakening redirected his path decades ago.
Born in Bahadur Nagar village, Kasganj district, Uttar Pradesh, Narayan Sakaar Hari operates an ashram named Bahadur Nagari Dham. He identifies himself as a disciple of Lord Vishnu, and his teachings resonate deeply with his followers, who see him not just as a spiritual guide but as a transformative figure. Not only this, but during his satsang sessions, he had convinced his followers that Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva have acknowledged him as their guru.
Several YouTube videos depict young content creators praising Narayan Sakaar Hari not merely as a godman but as a deity. Claims range from miraculous healings of deadly diseases to generous acts like paying off a poor person’s Rs. 4 lakh loan.
Despite the lack of evidence supporting these assertions, devotees maintain unwavering faith in Bhole Baba, regularly attending his satsangs.
Following the tragic stampede in Hathras during his satsang, reports indicate Narayan Sakaar Hari’s disappearance. While no charges have been filed against him in the FIR, his sudden absence has sparked significant speculation. Observers are keen to see how the spiritual leader will respond to this heart-wrenching incident.
