In a tragic incident during a satsang in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, 121 people lost their lives in a stampede. The satsang was organized by the self-proclaimed Baba Narayan Sarkar Vishwas Hari, also known as Bhole Baba. Following the tragedy, Hathras Godman Bhole Baba has gone missing, and the police are actively searching his known locations. Here in this article we will be digging the life and history of the Hathras Baba – his early life, background before becoming godman, personal life, controversies and more
Original Name and Early Life of Narayan Sakar Hari
Narayan Sakar Hari’s original name is Surajpal Singh Jatav. He was born in Bahadur Nagar village in Kasganj district, Uttar Pradesh somewhere in mid 1960s. He comes from a Dalit family. According to NDTV news report, Surajpal Singh had three brothers, with the eldest having passed away, and his younger brother Rakesh still residing in the village, engaged in farming.
Background of Bhole Baba, Now Famous for Hathras Stampede
Before becoming a spiritual leader, Bhole Baba, originally named Surajpal Singh, was a constable in the Uttar Pradesh police force. He was dismissed from his job and faced accusations of sexual assault. Despite this, the godman told his followers that he had taken voluntary retirement (VRS) from the police (in year 2000) and also claimed to have worked in the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
However, after the Hathras incident, when NDTV spoke with former Director General of Police (DGP) Prakash Singh, he confirmed that Surajpal Singh was dismissed from the Uttar Pradesh police. He also revealed that Surajpal Singh had around 5-6 cases registered against him, including sexual assault allegations. Prakash Singh commented that Surajpal Singh’s demeanor never suggested he had worked in the IB, as IB officers typically do not disclose their affiliations. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into Surajpal Singh’s past actions.
Personal Life of Hathras Godman Bhole Baba: Is He Married? Does He Have Children?
Following the Hathras incident, some police officers visited his ancestral village. One officer told The Indian Express that Surajpal had served in the Uttar Pradesh police for about a decade before leaving the job in the 1990s, with his last posting being in Agra.
Jafar Ali, husband of Nazish Khanam, the village head of Bahadur Nagar, shared with the newspaper that Surajpal Singh is married, but has no children. After leaving the police force, he adopted the name Bhole Baba, while his wife is referred to as ‘Matashree.’ Jafar noted that Surajpal’s family was well-off. A Dainik Bhaskar video reveals that his wife is from Etah district of Uttar Pradesh.
Once a Police Constable, Hathras Godman was Arrested for Sexual Assault in 1997
According to NDTV report, while he was serving his term as a Police constable, he was arrested and imprisoned for sexual assault in 1997. Post his release, he reinvented himself by giving himself another name (Naryan Sakar Hari) and profession (Godman), and even established an ashram in his ancestral village.
Establishing an Ashram in His Ancestral Village
Jafar Ali further disclosed that Surajpal built an ashram on his 30 bigha land in the village. People from other districts and states come to seek his blessings and are accommodated in the ashram. Five years ago, Surajpal left the village, fearing conspiracies against him. Currently, he is believed to reside somewhere in Rajasthan. Last year, he returned to the village and transferred his property to a trust, managed by an appointed manager.
Criminal Charges and History of Bhole Baba
The FIR details obtained by India Today TV reveal that Suraj Pal was charged under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, in 2000 when he lived in Agra. In December 2000, the self-styled godman, also known as Narayan Sakar Hari, was arrested along with six others after his followers allegedly caused a disturbance at a cremation ground.
Yes, he was arrested 23 years ago for claiming to revive a dead girl. Pankaj, an eyewitness, told India Today TV that Suraj Pal had no children and had adopted his niece, who was suffering from cancer. One day, the girl fainted, and Pal’s followers claimed he would miraculously cure her. The girl regained consciousness for a short time but unfortunately died shortly after.
Controversies
Land grabbing: Bhole Baba has been allegedly involved in land grabbing crimes. His properties are worth crores, including several other properties and ashrams across the country. Notably, his 13-acre “five-star” ashram in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, is valued at ₹4 crores.
Pandemic: During the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bhole Baba organized a meeting in Farrukhabad, which attracted over 50,000 people despite the district administration permitting only 50 attendees. This led to an FIR against the organizers.
Business Empire and Net Worth: Despite the controversies surrounding him, Bhole Baba has built a business empire worth millions. His net worth is estimated to be around ₹100 crores (approximately $12 million USD), mostly from donations and property. He owns several luxurious cars, jewelry, and high-end gadgets, and is often seen flaunting his wealth on social media.
Luxury Lifestyle: Despite his spiritual image, Bhole Baba is known to lead a luxurious lifestyle. He often posts pictures and videos on social media, showing off his expensive cars, jewelry, and high-end gadgets. His followers seem to be unaware of the contradiction between his luxurious lifestyle and his spiritual message.
Bhole Baba Residence in Ashram in Ramkutir Ashram
The Ramkutir ashram as reported in Dainik Bhaskar spans nine bighas and is surrounded by 12-foot-high walls. The main gate is grand and 25 feet tall, painted in golden hues. Bhole Baba’s entourage always uses this gate. A secondary gate, painted yellow, is used by followers and servants. Near this gate are four hall-like rooms where followers and servants stay, cooking their own meals.
At the heart of the ashram is an attractive park. In front of this park is Bhole Baba’s residence, featuring a glass door and four rooms, including a guest room. Only a select few are allowed entry. Despite Bhole Baba’s claims of simplicity, his residence is equipped with all modern amenities.
Conclusion
The story of Hathras Godman Bhole Baba, from his days as a police constable to a controversial spiritual leader, highlights a complex journey marked by legal troubles, allegations, and unwavering devotion from his followers. The tragic stampede in Hathras has only added to his contentious legacy, leaving many questions about his life and actions unanswered. His primary aide Dev Prakash Madhukar arrested in connection to the stampede.
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