On July 2, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh, India, claiming the lives of 122 people in a horrific stampede during a gathering led by Hindu spiritual leader Bhole Baba, also known as “Sa Sang Sat.” The tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 115 women, four children, and three men, paints a grim picture of the dangers lurking behind the facade of fraudulent spirituality and exposes the Indian government’s failure to protect its citizens, particularly women, from exploitation and abuse.
The stampede erupted when the self-proclaimed guru, Bhole Baba, was preparing to depart in his vehicle. As gullible devotees surged forward to kiss the dust off his car’s tires, chaos ensued. Bhole Baba’s guards, in a desperate bid to control the crowd, began beating the devotees with sticks, exacerbating the already volatile situation. Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against Bhole Baba, who is allegedly protected by his direct affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This has fueled outrage among the relatives of the deceased, who demand justice and accountability for the fraudulent figure responsible for their loss.
Bhole Baba, who had permission for an 80,000-person gathering, irresponsibly brought 250,000 people to his ashram. This gross negligence underscores the reckless disregard for safety and the insidious manipulation of vulnerable individuals in the name of religion. It also highlights a glaring failure on the part of the Indian authorities to enforce regulations and ensure public safety, raising questions about the influence and protection enjoyed by such figures.
Suraj Pal Singh, the man behind the guise of Bhole Baba, has a history riddled with serious allegations, including sexual harassment of women under the guise of religious ceremonies. Sadhvi Vishwa Roopa, the ashram’s spiritual teacher, revealed in an interview with News Nation that Suraj Pal Singh used to bathe and then instruct others to mix milk with his bathwater to make rice pudding, which he would then feed to women. Following this ritual, he would sexually exploit these women in separate gatherings, convincing them that intimacy with him would absolve their sins. His manipulative tactics prey on the vulnerable, exploiting their faith and trust for his gain.
Mobile phones and cameras were strictly prohibited in Suraj Pal Singh’s Satsang, ensuring that no evidence of his exploitative practices could be captured. This deliberate measure points to the premeditated nature of his actions and the calculated effort to maintain his facade of divinity. Despite multiple allegations and a history of sexual assault charges, Suraj Pal Singh continues to operate with impunity, shielded by political connections and a flawed legal system.
The stampede is not an isolated incident but a culmination of a series of controversies surrounding Bhole Baba. Formerly a policeman, Saakar Vishwa Hari, as he is also known, turned to spirituality nearly two decades ago after leaving his job in the late 1990s. He quickly amassed a massive following in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in its western parts, leveraging his newfound persona as a godman to attract devotees. However, his history is marred by numerous legal troubles, primarily allegations of sexual assault.
In 1997, Suraj Pal Singh faced legal troubles for allegations of sexual assault, resulting in his imprisonment and subsequent termination from the UP police services. Despite these serious charges, he managed to reinvent himself as Saakar Vishwa Hari Baba, attracting devotees with promises of spiritual enlightenment and blessings. His ability to command a massive following despite his tainted past is a testament to the dangerous allure of charismatic yet fraudulent spiritual leaders.
The tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for Indian authorities to take decisive action against fraudulent spiritual leaders who manipulate and exploit vulnerable individuals. The fact that Suraj Pal Singh continues to operate with impunity, despite numerous cases filed against him in various jurisdictions, including Etawah, Farrukhabad, Kasganj, Agra, and even Rajasthan’s Dausa, is alarming. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the legal and regulatory framework in dealing with such individuals who exploit religion for personal gain.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has long been criticized for its protection of controversial figures, often labeled as sexual predators or corrupt individuals. The case of Bhole Baba, also known as Suraj Pal Singh, is a glaring example of this disturbing trend. Despite facing serious allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation, Bhole Baba has continued to operate with impunity, thanks to his direct affiliation with the BJP. This political protection has shielded him from legal repercussions and allowed him to amass a large following, ultimately leading to the tragic stampede in Hathras. Bhole Baba is not an isolated case. Figures like Swami Chinmayanand, a former BJP minister accused of rape and harassment, and Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a BJP MLA convicted of raping a minor, have also enjoyed similar protection. The BJP’s tendency to shield such individuals raises serious questions about the party’s commitment to justice and accountability. This pattern of safeguarding controversial and criminal figures undermines the rule of law and perpetuates a culture of impunity, eroding public trust in the political and judicial systems. As long as the BJP continues to protect these individuals, the fight against corruption and sexual exploitation will remain an uphill battle in India.
The protection and promotion of such figures by political affiliations must be scrutinized and addressed to prevent further loss of innocent lives. The relatives of the deceased demand justice, and it is imperative that their voices are heard, and appropriate legal action is taken against Suraj Pal Singh.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the Indian government’s failure, particularly under the BJP’s influence, to protect its citizens from the dangers posed by fraudulent spiritual leaders. The systemic issues enabling such individuals to thrive demand urgent attention. The BJP’s tendency to shield controversial figures exacerbates the problem, highlighting a dire need for accountability. The Indian government must take responsibility for this inaction and implement robust measures to safeguard the safety and well-being of its citizens, especially women, who are often the most vulnerable to exploitation. Addressing these issues is crucial to restore public trust and ensure that justice prevails.
