Narayan Sakaar Hari, also known as ‘Bhole Baba’ claimed to have left the site of his religious gathering (Satsang) in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh before a deadly stampede occurred that resulted in 121 deaths on Tuesday.
However, a CCTV footage has emerged, which purportedly shows the preacher leaving the site under heavy security soon after the stampede.
The 47-second video showed that Bhole Baba’s security team was mobilising on both sides of the road, preparing for his convoy’s approach. A large group of his black commandos – security personnel dressed in black clothes – is seen speeding on dozens of motorcycles. This complete scenario of Bhole Baba’s convoy departing was captured in the CCTV footage.
VIDEO | Hathras stampede: CCTV footage shows self-styled preacher Baba Narayan Hari alias Saakar Vishwa Hari ‘Bhole Baba’ leaving from the village (Phulrai) with his private convoy just after the incident. pic.twitter.com/t3yoTzVa74
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 4, 2024
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The timing of the departure of the convoy matches eyewitness accounts, which said the stampede began when devotees slipped and fell in the mud while running behind Baba’s departing vehicle.
Police Arrest ‘Sevadars’
In response to the incident, Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR against the Satsang’s organisers, accusing them of exceeding the permitted capacity, concealing evidence, and not cooperating with authorities. On Thursday, police confirmed that they have also arrested six ‘sevadars’, including two women, in connection with the Hathras stampede incident.
PTI cited the report of the officer saying that the only accused named in the FIR is at large while preacher Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba will be questioned if required during the investigation. “All six persons who have been arrested worked as sevadars (volunteers) at the ‘satsang’,” Inspector General of Police (Aligarh Range) Shalabh Mathur said.
“A reward of Rs 1 lakh will be announced soon and a non-bailable warrant (NBW) will also be issued against key accused Devprakash Madhukar,” Mathura also said.
In the police report filed at the local Sikandra Rau station on Tuesday following the stampede at Phulrai village that claimed the lives of 121 people, the preacher Surajpal was not mentioned as accused in the FIR lodged.
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