Served in intelligence department for 17 years, began spiritual pursuit after getting vision of deity; Who is Bhole Baba who organised satsang in Hathras?

LUCKNOW: Over 100 people were killed in a stampede that broke out during a 'satsang' event in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. As per the latest reports, 107 people died in the stampede while returning after the satsang. The event was organised by a self-proclaimed spiritual leader called Bhole Baba, formerly known as Saurabh Kumar.

According to reports, Saurabh Kumar was a former officer of the intelligence department of the Uttar Pradesh Police. After 17 years of service, he quit his job and embarked on a spiritual journey. Bhole Baba, who is often seen giving lectures in a white suit and tie, is also known as Sakar Vishwa Hari Baba of Patiala. He organises satsang programs with his wife.

It is said that Saurabh Kumar took voluntary retirement from work and began his spiritual pursuit after getting a 'vision' of the deity. He used to organise satsang in Hathras every Tuesday.

According to reports, the stampede in Hathras broke out as the servitors of Bhole Baba stopped people from leaving the venue of satsang amid the heat to make way for Bhole Baba and his team to leave the venue. When the people were allowed to leave, chaos ensued and this resulted in the stampede.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the incident. The President expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed their condolences.

Speaking at the Lok Sabha Prime Minister Narendra Modi said all necessary help will be provided to victims. The Prime Minister also expressed his condolences over the deaths in the tragedy and wished speedy recovery to the injured. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured in the Hathras tragedy.