Hathras Stampede Tragedy: Godman Bhole Baba’s Lavish Wealth Unveiled

In the aftermath of the tragic stampede in Hathras, which claimed the lives of 121 individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, new revelations have surfaced about Bhole Baba, the self-styled godman at the center of the incident. Official records unveiled on Wednesday expose a portion of his vast wealth, emphasizing a luxurious 13-acre ashram in Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri, valued at ₹4 crore.

Extravagant Ashram Facilities

The Mainpuri ashram, sprawling over 21 bighas, features several rooms equipped with amenities comparable to those found in five-star hotels. Bhole Baba, originally named Suraj Pal, allegedly resides in this opulent ashram, with six rooms dedicated to him and another six reserved for committee members and volunteers. The property also boasts a private road and a state-of-the-art cafeteria, underscoring the luxurious lifestyle associated with the godman.

Despite Pal’s claim that the land for the ashram was gifted to him three to four years ago, documents reveal his ownership of multiple properties worth crores, including several ashrams across the country. These findings paint a picture of a man whose wealth and influence extend far beyond what was previously known.

The Stampede and Its Aftermath

The deadly stampede occurred during a ‘satsang’ (religious gathering) organized by Pal and his followers in Phulrai village, under Sikandra Rao police station limits in Hathras. Authorities had permitted an attendance of 80,000 people, but an overwhelming crowd of 2.5 lakh gathered for the event. The situation escalated when devotees rushed to collect dust left by Pal’s departing car, considering it a blessing.

Efforts by Pal’s security and volunteers to manage the crowd resulted in chaos, with many devotees falling and being trampled by the surging masses. The ensuing panic led to a stampede, exacerbating the tragic loss of life.

Controversial Figure

Bhole Baba, who hails from Etah and previously served as a head constable in the Uttar Pradesh Police, has a controversial past. He faces numerous allegations of sexual assault, with cases registered in Agra, Etawah, Kasganj, Farrukhabad, and Rajasthan. Despite these serious accusations, he continues to wield significant influence among his followers.

Official Responses and Condolences

In a statement issued after maintaining silence since the tragedy, Pal expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to take legal action against what he termed “anti-social elements” responsible for the incident. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also weighed in, recounting witness testimonies that highlighted the chaotic scenes during the ‘satsang’. According to the witnesses, attempts by women to touch Pal’s feet led to a surge of people pushing forward, while his security tried to push back, resulting in the stampede. The Chief Minister further criticized Pal’s security team for allegedly fleeing the scene as the situation deteriorated.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of Bhole Baba’s wealth and influence, alongside ensuring justice for the victims of this devastating stampede.