The Hathras event, which ended in a tragic stampede, resulting in the death of 121 people, mostly women and children, had official permission from authorities. However, the crowd was estimated to be twice the expected number.
Suraj Pal, also known as Bhole Baba or Narayan Hari Sakar, organized the large religious gathering at Hathras. Pal, 65, possesses a sprawling network of 24 ashrams, a fleet of luxury cars, and assets worth at least ₹100 crore, according to sources familiar with his operations.
Pal has been missing since the stampede but released a statement blaming “anti-social elements.” Despite this, the police have not named him in their initial complaint. On Thursday, they arrested six people, including some of his key aides, but Pal himself remains unnamed.
The Shri Narayan Hari Sakar Charitable Trust, which oversees Pal’s empire, is managed by his followers. The source of his wealth is unclear, as most of Pal’s devotees are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Bhole Baba is known for his grand entrances, typically dressed in a crisp white three-piece suit, complete with a tie and fashionable eyeglasses. He travels in a convoy led by 16 commandos on powerful 350 cc motorcycles, clearing the way for an escort of 15 to 30 vehicles. His volunteers (sevadars), dressed in light pink and armed with batons, ensure his smooth passage and prevent any filming or photography. Pal himself rides in a white Toyota Fortuner, with matching white interiors, symbolizing both luxury and spiritual authority.
“Baba does not trust the police and administration for security at his events and during community service,” explained Anil Kumar, a follower of 11 years. “Instead, he relies on his thousands of sevadars who manage every aspect of security. Becoming a sevadar involves a formal application process and selection. They receive payment, food, and accommodation within the ashram.”
Pal resides in the Mainpuri Ashram in Bichuva, named Hari Nagar, which spans 21 bighas of land. Six rooms are exclusively reserved for him and his wife. At the entrance, a board lists 200 donors who have contributed amounts ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹2.5 lakh.
“Baba oversees 24 ashrams across the state and the country. The Mainpuri ashram, completed three years ago, serves as his residence and operational base,” another source said.
The Shri Narayan Hari Sakar Charitable Trust was established last year, with subsidiary trusts owning various ashrams. These include one in Kasui village of Kanpur’s Bidhnu, another under construction in Bhupat Sarai, Etawah, spread over 15 bighas, and one in Patiyali, Pal’s hometown, built on over 29 bighas of land and resembling a fortress with watch towers, high walls, and a grand entrance gate. Outside this ashram, a board clearly states that video recording and photography are prohibited.
Pal has not visited these ashrams in years, nor has he visited his house in Agra’s Kedar Nagar. The origins of his wealth and how a former UP police constable built such a vast spiritual empire remain unclear. However, given the recent events, this secrecy is likely to come under scrutiny.
