'No-one can change fate': India preacher on deadly crush

An Indian preacher named Bhole Baba, whose real name is Suraj Pal, led an overcrowded gathering where 121 people were tragically crushed to death. He expressed his deep disturbance over the incident but stated that no one could alter destiny. Bhole Baba's remarks to local journalists in Uttar Pradesh have sparked outrage across India. He said, 'Who can change the inevitable? Everyone who enters this world has to leave one day. Only the time is uncertain. ' The fatal crush occurred in early July during a satsang, a Hindu religious gathering, with most of the victims being women. The police have arrested several event organizers, including a man they claim is a key aide to Bhole Baba. However, Bhole Baba himself has not been named in the police case or questioned yet. He has also not been blamed in a report submitted by a special investigation team to the Uttar Pradesh government. The report holds the event organizers responsible and highlights negligence by the police and local administration. Authorities had granted permission for 80,000 people to gather, but around 250,000 people attended the event. The police report stated that the crush occurred when chaos erupted as a crowd rushed to collect dust touched by Bhole Baba's feet as he was leaving. However, while speaking to reporters, Bhole Baba denied this and repeated unproven allegations made by his lawyer that a 'poisonous gas had been sprayed at the gathering' and that there was a 'conspiracy to tarnish' his reputation. His lawyer asserted that allegations about Bhole Baba being responsible for the tragedy were 'false' and that the crush happened 'due to some anti-social elements. ' Despite this, families of the victims have blamed Bhole Baba and demanded his arrest. The tragedy has left many families distraught. Many social media users have also expressed anger over his recent comments, with some calling for his arrest. 'Bhole Baba might be right in a way, but who caused the deaths? ' one user asked on X (formerly Twitter). Another user pointed out that the police hadn't registered a case against the guru nor questioned him about the incident. '100% scot-free. Will likely do another satsang soon,' another user commented. Bhole Baba's original name is Suraj Pal, but he reportedly rechristened himself Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari. Details about his life are sketchy, but he is believed to have been a former constable in the Uttar Pradesh police force who transformed himself into a religious preacher after leaving his job. He has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers in Hathras and neighboring districts. However, his life and assets have come under scrutiny following the tragic crush.