In Uttar Pradesh's Hathras, the enigmatic Bhole Baba, alias Surajpal, alias Narayan Sakar Hari, has been connected to a catastrophic stampede claiming 121 lives post a spiritual gathering. Police have registered a case regarding the incident and have initiated an inquiry. In light of this, startling revelations about Bhole Baba have emerged. Narayan Sakar Hari was arrested 23 years ago for claiming the ability to revive a deceased girl.
When the self-proclaimed guru Surajpal, aka Narayan Sakar Hari, was arrested alongside six others in December 2000, it stirred up chaos at the cremation grounds. He had claimed ownership of mystical powers purportedly to resurrect his adopted daughter.
Supporters caused upheaval at the cremation site
According to FIR details accessed by 'Aaj Tak', Surajpal, aka Narayan Sakar Hari, was charged under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Back then, his devotees allegedly created a commotion at a cremation site, which led to police intervening forcefully, arresting the baba and his followers.
An eyewitness named Pankaj told 'Aaj Tak' that Suraj Pal had no children of his own, so he adopted his niece who was suffering from cancer. One day, she fainted and Pal's followers claimed he would heal the child miraculously. She did regain consciousness for a short while but passed away shortly after.
Baba and six others were arrested
Her body was taken to Malla Ka Chabotra cremation grounds. Yet, Pal's followers insisted that he would come and bring the girl back to life. Their uproar necessitated police action, and Suraj Pal and six of his followers were detained. However, he was later acquitted by the court due to lack of evidence.
According to Pankaj, followers regularly visited Suraj Pal's Agra home for 'darshan'. The home, used by the baba as an ashram for many years before shifting to Kasganj a few years earlier, is under surveillance since the Hathras tragedy unfolded, with Narayan Sakar Hari now absconding.
