Former police constable-turned-preacher Bhole Baba had a large following among poor and marginalized Indians before a tragic stampede during one of his sermons resulted in the deaths of 121 of his followers. In India, there are countless religious gurus, known as “godmen”, who are worshipped by devotees seeking miracles and who make offerings of money and possessions as a sign of loyalty.
Baba, whose current whereabouts are unknown, was not well-known to the wider Indian public before the incident in Uttar Pradesh, his native state. However, he had amassed a significant following in the region, with his prayer meetings attracting thousands of viewers on social media. He was known for his sermons focusing on the importance of kindness, including one uploaded to YouTube two years ago where he spoke about the idea that giving flowers would result in receiving a garland in return.
In videos of his past sermons, Baba can be seen dressed in all white, seated on an elaborate chair on a platform while addressing large crowds of mostly women devotees. His events were attended by more than 250,000 people, as reported by the police, with the most recent prayer meeting held near the city of Hathras in northern India.
The tragedy that unfolded during the prayer meeting resulted in the deaths of over a hundred of Baba’s followers, sparking shock and grief among the community. As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the stampede, questions have been raised about the safety measures in place during such large gatherings and the accountability of those responsible for ensuring the well-being of attendees.
Despite the negative outcome of this particular event, many of Baba’s followers continue to praise him for his teachings and the positive impact he had on their lives. They remember him as a spiritual leader who brought hope and inspiration to those who were struggling or facing challenges, highlighting the complex relationship between faith, power, and the influence of religious figures in Indian society.
As the investigation into the stampede continues and authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the tragedy, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise during mass gatherings and the need for strict safety protocols to be in place to prevent such devastating events from reoccurring. The loss of so many lives has left a lasting impact on those who knew and followed Bhole Baba, underscoring the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals who come together in the name of faith and community.