The recent tragedy in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, where over 120 people perished in a stampede at a satsang (religious gathering) led by self-styled godman Bhole Baba, has reignited debates about the necessity of a national anti-superstition law. Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition, forcefully raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha, advocating for anti-superstition laws similar to those in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
According to media reports, on July 2, thousands of people, mostly from underprivileged social groups, gathered in Hathras to hear a sermon by Bhole Baba. The stampede occurred as people scrambled to get a last look at him and gather the mud he had trodden on, resulting in 121 deaths, including 113 women.
An FIR has been filed against the organizers, including main volunteer DevprakashMadhukar and other unidentified individuals. So far, the police have arrested seven people, all volunteers for Bhole Baba, who is currently evading capture. In a video message, he expressed condolences but denied involvement in the tragedy.
Madhukar, the chief organizer and fundraiser for the satsang, was apprehended in Delhion July 6. Uttar Pradesh Police stated that they suspect the activities of Bhole Baba were funded by a political party. “During the investigation, he told us that some political parties had approached him recently. We are probing if the arrangements for the religious gatherings were funded by any political party,” said Nipun Agarwal, Superintendent of Police (Hathras).
A two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted by the UP government. Its preliminary report indicated that the local administration allowed the satsang without proper inspection, and the police took the event lightly, failing to inform their seniors. However, former chief minister and BSP chief Mayawati criticized the SIT report, suggesting it was politically driven and noting its muted treatment of Bhole Baba.
Suraj Pal, alias Narayan Sakar Har, also known as Bhole Baba, was a former constable who rebranded himself as a godman in the late 1990s, attracting millions of followers. He portrayed himself as a magically gifted physician who could cure all diseases. His controversial activities invited an arrest in 2000 for allegedly resurrecting a dead girl.
There is also a caste angle to the Hathras tragedy, as Bhole Baba belongs to the Jatav caste. Generally, godmen who have set up ashrams come from upper-caste backgrounds. Bhole Baba’s advocate, A.P. Singh, claimed the media trial was motivated by his client’s caste background and popularity.
Godmen, seen as conduits between the common man and God, often exploit their followers by claiming magical abilities. Many such godmen, including Rampal, Baba Ram Rahim, AsaramBapu, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and Shri Sai Baba, have faced legal issues, with some currently in jail. The institution of godmen thrives due to the superstitious nature of society and the support of right-wing forces allegedly responsible for the murders of anti-superstition activists like Narendra Dabholkar, Prof. M.M. Kalburgi, and Govind Pansare.
There is also a political factor involved, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP of patronizing godmen for political gain. Ram-Rahim is a notable example, having been granted parole several times.
The Hathras calamity has highlighted the dangers of unchecked religious gatherings and blind faith, as thousands flocked for divine blessings, leading to catastrophic overcrowding. The tragedy underscores India’s urgent need to confront superstitions comprehensively.
Maharashtra and Karnataka enacted laws to protect people from harmful rituals and exploitation. The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil, and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, was passed after the murder of anti-superstition activist Dabholkar. The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017, came into effect in January 2020, banning several practices related to black magic and superstition.
However, implementing such a law at the national level faces obstacles, including political considerations, deeply ingrained superstitions, and cultural sensitivity.