- Indian preacher has denied responsibility for a stampede
- The incident occurred during a satsang
- This is one of the deadliest stampedes in India
A preacher in India has denied responsibility for a stampede at a religious event that killed over 120 people on Tuesday. Bhole Baba, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader, is pledging cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
Bhole Baba’s lawyer, AP Singh, told the BBC that the crush happened due to “anti-social elements” and a “conspiracy” against his client. However, police have arrested six organizers of the event.
The incident occurred during a satsang, a Hindu religious gathering, in Hathras district. Nearly all the victims were women and children.
This tragedy has sparked outrage in India, raising concerns about inadequate safety measures at the event.
Bhole Baba, whose real name is Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari, will fully cooperate with the investigation, according to Mr. Singh. He also denied reports that security guards caused panic by pushing back devotees seeking blessings.
This incident marks one of the deadliest stampedes in India in recent years. Disturbing images of the aftermath have circulated online, showing people transporting the injured to hospitals in various vehicles.
