Hathras Tragedy Unfolds:
Maneuvering through the silence of the night, the Mainpuri police abruptly orchestrated a raid on the ashram of Suraj Pal also known as Bhole Baba. With the Police Superintendent and the CO of Bhogaon in tow, the team tarried within the ashram for upwards of an hour. Emerging empty-handed, they stated their visit merely aimed to inspect security arrangements, asserting the absence of Bhole Baba himself. Inside, the silent sanctuary housed 50 to 60 men and women who regularly sought solace in the ashram's spiritual embrace.
Queries regarding whether the raid targeted named suspects in the Hathras debacle, or sought to interrogate Bhole Baba, were dismissed by an unwavering 'No' from the authorities. This after-midnight raid, prolonged beyond an hour, raised a labyrinth of unanswered questions.
Source: aajtak
With Hathras still reeling from the recent catastrophe, a veil of police vigil wrapped the ashram. What then prompted this midnight inspection of security? Had special intelligence nudged the force under cloak of darkness? Acknowledging the presence of female devotees within, the police, however, faced criticism for not including female officers in their team.
Source: aajtak
FIRs filed by the police narrate a scenario where Bhole Baba's security guards began pushing the crowd, triggering the stampede. Was the raid then an act intended to interrogate the guards stationed for Bhole Baba's protection, or to apprehend the disciples responsible for organizing the event?
Source: aajtak
In the year 2000, Suraj Pal aka Narayan Sakar Hari or Bhole Baba was arrested in Agra. Despite being acquitted due to lack of evidence along with six others, his controversial past lingered. A child, whom Bhole Baba had adopted and was battling cancer, became the center of a tragic episode. After collapsing one day, she regained consciousness only to pass away shortly after, triggering a commotion when followers insisted Bhole Baba would revive her. A force from four police stations countered the unrest and arrested Bhole Baba. Despite legal proceedings, insufficient evidence led to his release.
The custodians of the faith clung to hope, fixated on the belief that Bhole Baba would breathe life back into the child. However, reality cast a somber shadow as the child's body was taken to the Mall ka Chabutara crematory, marking an end to the debacle, but leaving a permanent scar on the community's conscience.
