00:00121 people died in a recent stampede in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. The satsangh where this happened
00:14was organised by a self-proclaimed preacher known as Bhole Baba.
00:19Welcome to Deep Dive with Outlook. Today we will be discussing the man, or rather the
00:24God-man at the centre of this issue. Bhole Baba's real name is Suraj Pal, a former
00:30UP police constable who reinvented himself as a spiritual leader. Known as Jagadguru
00:36Sakaar Vishwahari, he claims to have divine powers, including healing and exorcism.
00:43He was arrested in the year 2000 for claiming to revive a dead girl. In fact, several self-styled
00:49God-men in India have been convicted of heinous crimes but still enjoy the following of lakhs
00:55of devotees. Asaram Bapu, once highly respected, is now serving life in prison for raping a
01:01young disciple and is connected to suspicious deaths at his ashram. Ram Rahim Singh, leader
01:08of Dera Sacha Soda, received a long jail sentence for rape and convictions in murder cases.
01:14Param Ahimsa Nithyananda, seen as spiritual leader by his followers, fled India due to
01:20charges of rape and kidnapping, later announcing a made-up Hindu country called Kailasa. Sant
01:27Rampal, known for his controversial statements, faced serious clashes with authorities, resulting
01:33in multiple deaths and a life sentence. Bhole Baba's followers predominantly come from low-income
01:39Dalit families. His devotees include labourers, masons, agricultural workers and others seeking
01:47spiritual and material relief in his promises. However, critics also note that various MPs
01:53and MLAs are believed to have attended his satsangs, mostly organised on Tuesdays.
01:59Bhole Baba's appeal lies in his promises to the marginalised and vulnerable. For many,
02:06he represents hope in the face of socio-economic hardships. His followers call him the healer,
02:13the exorcist who cures people with his magical powers. Some followers do not believe that
02:19the Guru should be blamed for the stampede. A handful think Andhvishwas led to this disaster.
02:25The Hathra Satsang stampede is a stark reminder of the need for better crowd control and safety
02:32measures. But it also highlights the deep socio-economic factors that drive people
02:38to seek solace in spiritual leaders.
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