A day after the tragic stampede in Hathras that claimed the lives of over 100 people, residents of the native village of the controversial preacher Bhole Baba, Baba Narayan Hari (also known as Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba), praised him for his conduct and community relations. They highlighted that Baba Narayan Hari, a former police department worker who turned religious preacher due to popular demand, never solicited donations or offerings ("chadhava") from anyone.
Baba Narayan Hari used to conduct religious congregations ("satsang") in his village of Dham under Patiyali tehsil. However, he discontinued these gatherings when they began attracting large crowds, which were impacting local farmers' crops.
According to villagers, Baba Narayan Hari funded the construction of his 'Bhavya Dham' (grand temple) through donations received from devotees but did not impose any financial burdens on the local community. Women in the village spoke highly of his moral conduct, noting that he focused solely on spiritual teachings related to God.
The villagers recounted a past incident where Baba Narayan Hari had adopted a girl who tragically passed away about 16-17 years ago. In a belief reminiscent of faith healing, he kept her body at home for two days hoping for a miracle, prompting police intervention leading to her cremation.
Currently, Baba Narayan Hari is reported to be at an ashram in Mainpuri, where a significant police presence has been deployed following the Hathras stampede incident. Security measures have restricted access to the ashram, with police neither confirming nor denying his presence there when questioned by the media.
