Articles by Hemendra Chaturvedi
First Monday of Sawan brings festivities to Taj city
The remaining three fairs will be held on the remaining three Mondays at Balkeshwar, Kailash and Prithvinath Mahadev Temple
![Devotees in queue at Bateshwar Temple in outskirts of Agra on first Monday of Sawan (HT Photo) Devotees in queue at Bateshwar Temple in outskirts of Agra on first Monday of Sawan (HT Photo)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/22/150x84/Devotees-in-queue-at-Bateshwar-Temple-in-outskirts_1721660606106.jpg)
Published on Jul 22, 2024 08:34 PM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi, Agra
Agra youth shot dead in US, father seeks justice
Gevin Dasaur (29) moved to the US for a diploma course in automobiles.
![Pawan Dasaur at his house in Agra. (Sourced) Pawan Dasaur at his house in Agra. (Sourced)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/19/148x111/Pawan-Dasaur-at-his-house-in-Agra---Sourced-_1721416322085_1721416948809.jpeg)
Updated on Jul 20, 2024 12:54 AM IST
‘What has to happen will happen’: Bhole Baba on 121 stampede deaths
121 people died in a stampede at a congregation in Uttar Pradesh, with the self-styled godman blaming a "conspiracy". Authorities are investigating.
![Self proclaimed godman Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba speaks to the media regarding the Hathras stampede, in Kasganj, on Wednesday. (PTI) Self proclaimed godman Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba speaks to the media regarding the Hathras stampede, in Kasganj, on Wednesday. (PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/17/150x84/Self-proclaimed-godman-Surajpal-alias-Narayan-Saka_1721242341697.jpg)
Updated on Jul 18, 2024 06:54 AM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi, Agra
Bhole Baba surfaces 15 days after 121 deaths in Hathras stampede, says ‘none can change destiny’
Bhole Baba made the comment while interacting with a section of the media at his ashram at his ancestral village Bahadur Nagar in Patiali tehsil of Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh.
![Preacher Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba speaks to the media regarding the Hathras stampede, in Kasganj on Wednesday. (PTI PHOTO) Preacher Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba speaks to the media regarding the Hathras stampede, in Kasganj on Wednesday. (PTI PHOTO)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/17/150x84/Preacher-Surajpal-alias-Narayan-Sakar-Hari-alias-B_1721237660345.jpg)
Updated on Jul 18, 2024 05:14 AM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi, Agra
Hathras stampede: Bhole Baba’s counsel seeks CCTV footage
Suraj Pal’s counsel, AP Singh, a Delhi-based lawyer, came out in support of the preacher and claimed that it was a conspiracy hatched to defame the organising committee.
![The GT Road in village Phoolrai where stampede took place on July 02. (HT) The GT Road in village Phoolrai where stampede took place on July 02. (HT)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/14/150x84/The-GT-Road-in-village-Phoolrai-where-stampede-too_1720976493775.jpg)
Published on Jul 14, 2024 10:32 PM IST
Crowd mgmt in Mudiya Mela acid test for admn
The Goverdhan Mela site has been divided into 21 zones and 62 sectors. As many as 76 cameras are being installed on the parikrama marg (route) around Goverdhan hillock for keeping an eye on the fair round the clock, claimed officials .
![Devotees at Mudiya Mela. (HT FILE PHOTO) Devotees at Mudiya Mela. (HT FILE PHOTO)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/10/150x84/Devotees-at-Mudiya-Mela---HT-FILE-PHOTO-_1720640023216.jpeg)
Updated on Jul 11, 2024 08:40 AM IST
Unfazed by stampede, Bhole Baba followers continue to visit ashrams for satsangs
SP (City) Rahul Mithas downplayed the situation, saying that a handful of followers visit the ashram every day, but the number has gone up on Tuesday.
![Followers gathered at Ashram of Bhole Baba in Bichwan town of Mainpuri on Tuesday. (HT)(HT_PRINT) Followers gathered at Ashram of Bhole Baba in Bichwan town of Mainpuri on Tuesday. (HT)(HT_PRINT)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/09/148x111/Followers-gathered-at-Ashram-of-Bhole-Baba-in-Bich_1720563713598_1720563725069.jpg)
Updated on Jul 10, 2024 04:45 AM IST
When a cult figure illegally occupied Mathura’s Jawahar Bagh for 2 years
The preacher Suraj Pal, popularly known as Bhole Baba, is only the latest such personality to be in the news after the Hathras stampede. Other cult figures who commanded a vast following in the region in the past included Baba Jai Gurudev. His main ashram was in Mathura and it boasted of a replica of the Taj Mahal.
![File photos of late Mukul Dwivedi, the then SP City of Mathura donning a bullet proof jacket before entering Jawahar Bagh in Mathura on June 2, 2016. Dwivedi was allegedly attacked by cult members encroaching on Jawahar Bagh and killed. (HT FILE) File photos of late Mukul Dwivedi, the then SP City of Mathura donning a bullet proof jacket before entering Jawahar Bagh in Mathura on June 2, 2016. Dwivedi was allegedly attacked by cult members encroaching on Jawahar Bagh and killed. (HT FILE)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/07/150x84/File-photos-of-late-Mukul-Dwivedi--the-then-SP-Cit_1720375691084.jpg)
Updated on Jul 08, 2024 05:44 AM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi, Agra
Main accused Devprakash Madhukar was Bhole Baba’s eyes and ears
Madhukar was arrested by the UP police from Delhi’s Najafgarh after being named in an FIR registered at Sikandra Rau police station of Hathras in connection with the stampede that claimed 121 lives
![Devprakash Madhukar was arrested by the UP police from Delhi’s Najafgarh (File Photo) Devprakash Madhukar was arrested by the UP police from Delhi’s Najafgarh (File Photo)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/07/150x84/Devprakash-Madhukar-was-arrested-by-the-UP-police-_1720342025110.jpg)
Published on Jul 07, 2024 02:17 PM IST
Hathras stampede: Key arrested accused had political links, say police
Madhukar was arrested from Najafgarh in Delhi on Friday night. Police said besides Madhukar, two others, Ram Prakash Shakya and Sanju Yadav, were arrested on Saturday
![121 people were killed in Hathras stampede incident (AP Photo) 121 people were killed in Hathras stampede incident (AP Photo)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/07/150x84/121-people-were-killed-in-Hathras-stampede-inciden_1720341485120.jpg)
Updated on Jul 07, 2024 02:08 PM IST
‘Deeply saddened’: Hathras ‘baba’ appears on video, sparks furore
Pal’s statement came a day after the state police on Friday arrested Devprakash Madhukar, the prime suspect and head volunteer of the event, and on the day a judicial panel put in place by the state government began its probe into the July 2
![Self-styled godman Suraj Pal, better known as Bhole Baba (Twitter/ANI Photo) Self-styled godman Suraj Pal, better known as Bhole Baba (Twitter/ANI Photo)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/07/150x84/Self-styled-godman-Suraj-Pal--better-known-as-Bhol_1720340044804.png)
Published on Jul 07, 2024 01:44 PM IST
Hathras stampede: Bhole Baba’s 4 calls before switching off phone under scanner
According to a senior police officer, Pal had spoken to the event organisers four times before his mobile phone went off on the same day.
![The stampede tragedy in Hathras led to the death of 121 people including 112 women on July 2. (PTI photo) The stampede tragedy in Hathras led to the death of 121 people including 112 women on July 2. (PTI photo)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/05/148x111/The-stampede-tragedy-in-Hathras-led-to-the-death-o_1720173633126_1720208372465.jpg)
Updated on Jul 06, 2024 08:51 AM IST
Hathras stampede: ‘Bhole Baba’ owns assets worth ₹100+ crore
The Hathras event did have permission from authorities, although the crowd is expected to have been twice what was expected.
![An ashram of “Bhole Baba” in Kasganj. (PTI) An ashram of “Bhole Baba” in Kasganj. (PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/04/148x111/An-ashram-of--Bhole-Baba--in-Kasganj---PTI-_1720117763264_1720123471415.jpg)
Updated on Jul 05, 2024 07:21 AM IST
Hathras stampede: No mention of Bhole Baba in FIR, police yet to trace him
The case has been registered under Sections 105, 110, 126(2), 223, and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
![Bags and other belongings lying at the scene a day after a massive stampede that took place during a 'satsang' (religious congregation), in Sikandara Rao area in Hathras district on Wednesday. (PTI) Bags and other belongings lying at the scene a day after a massive stampede that took place during a 'satsang' (religious congregation), in Sikandara Rao area in Hathras district on Wednesday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/07/03/148x111/Bags-and-other-belongings-lying-at-the-scene-a-day_1720028568882_1720033305017.jpg)
Updated on Jul 04, 2024 06:34 AM IST
Hathras stampede: Bhole Baba, preacher who led the congregation, not named in FIR
The FIR alleged that the organisers hid the actual number of devotees coming to the ‘satsang’ while seeking permission, did not cooperate in traffic management
![Devdas Madhukar, the head sevadar has been named beside other organisers, in the FIR filed by Brijesh Pandey. (File photo) Devdas Madhukar, the head sevadar has been named beside other organisers, in the FIR filed by Brijesh Pandey. (File photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/07/03/150x84/Devdas-Madhukar--the-head-sevadar-has-been-named-b_1719982713761.jpg)
Published on Jul 03, 2024 10:29 AM IST
Hathras stampede | Bhole Baba: Intelligence man to preacher with cult following
Alway clean shaven and known for his all-white attire, he sits on a throne-like high chair at his satsangs, sometimes with his wife on a similar chair.
![Bhole Baba addressing a gathering. (FILE PHOTO) Bhole Baba addressing a gathering. (FILE PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/07/02/148x111/Bhole-Baba-addressing-a-gathering---FILE-PHOTO-_1719939138991_1719964730328.jpeg)
Updated on Jul 03, 2024 07:13 AM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi, Agra
107 dead in stampede at religious preacher’s congregation in UP’s Hathras
Hathras stampede: Initial reports indicated that the stampede started soon after the women rushed out of the venue
![Hathras stampede: Inspector General (Aligarh Range) Shalabh Mathur said temporary permission was sought and given for the ‘satsang’ at the venue in a Hathras village (HT Photo) Hathras stampede: Inspector General (Aligarh Range) Shalabh Mathur said temporary permission was sought and given for the ‘satsang’ at the venue in a Hathras village (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/07/02/150x84/Hathras-stampede--Inspector-General--Aligarh-Range_1719925693957.png)
Updated on Jul 02, 2024 06:39 PM IST
PDA formula scripts success for SP in Braj region
Akhilesh , in his speeches, kept the BJP and RSS on target and blamed them for designs to change the Constitution . A man dressed as Baba Saheb with a book in hand stood on stage and Akhilesh Yadav received a copy of the Constitution from him with a vow to protect it.
![PDA successfully worked for Akhilesh Yadav (HT) PDA successfully worked for Akhilesh Yadav (HT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/05/150x84/PDA-successfully-worked-for-Akhilesh-Yadav--HT-_1717612659413.jpg)
Updated on Jun 06, 2024 06:22 AM IST
Rashtriya Hindu Parishad chief smashes TV, sets it on fire over election results
After BJP fell short of its “Abki Baar 400 Paar” claim, Rashtriya Hindu Parishad chief Govind Parashar smashed the TV inside the office and set it on fire.
![Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Govind Parashar is setting TV on fire after smashing it. (HT Photo) Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Govind Parashar is setting TV on fire after smashing it. (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/05/148x111/lok-sabha-election-results-tv-on-fire-bjp_1717566907402_1717566907578.png)
Updated on Jun 05, 2024 12:31 PM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi | Edited by Arfa Javaid
2024 LS polls: Much at stake for BJP in Braj region
BJP has much at stake in Braj region with 8 Lok Sabha seats. SP focuses on Mainpuri, Firozabad; Congress eyes Fatehpur Sikri. Ministers also in the race.
![Sitting MP and BJP candidate Hema Malini during her campaign in Mathura. (HT file) Sitting MP and BJP candidate Hema Malini during her campaign in Mathura. (HT file)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/03/150x84/Sitting-MP-and-BJP-candidate-Hema-Malini-during-he_1717437472840.jpg)
Updated on Jun 04, 2024 05:44 AM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi, Agra
Chained child admitted to IMHH after video goes viral
On Sunday, a video went viral, showing a 10-year-old boy on the pavement, tied with chains. He was accompanied by his parents and all were braving the heat along the road near Agra College . Naresh Paras, a social activist working for child rights, got active and took up the matter with officials of Agra Nagar Nigam to find a place for the family in a shelter home. Dr Dinesh Rathore, director, of Institute of Mental Health and Hospital was contacted and the child was then taken to the Institute.
![On the basis of the disability certificate, issued by chief medical officer of Sant Kabir Nagar, doctors in the Institute of Mental Health and Hospital termed it a case of cerebral palsy, a disability caused by damage to the brain and not a psychiatric disorder (Pic for representation) On the basis of the disability certificate, issued by chief medical officer of Sant Kabir Nagar, doctors in the Institute of Mental Health and Hospital termed it a case of cerebral palsy, a disability caused by damage to the brain and not a psychiatric disorder (Pic for representation)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/02/150x84/On-the-basis-of-the-disability-certificate--issued_1717357193899.jpg)
Updated on Jun 03, 2024 08:18 AM IST
Name on card but not invited: Lawyer sues in-laws
In his complaint case filed on May 28 in the court of judicial magistrate (second) in Mainpuri, the lawyer claimed that his in-laws were liable to be prosecuted by police under section 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation) and 501 (printing defamatory content) of Indian Penal Code and prayed before court to summon the opposite parties. He said hey printed his name on a wedding card but did not invite him to the function.,
![The mother-in-law and brother-in-law live on Etawah Road in Bewar with whom the lawyer, as stated in his complaint, is not on good terms . (Pic for representation) The mother-in-law and brother-in-law live on Etawah Road in Bewar with whom the lawyer, as stated in his complaint, is not on good terms . (Pic for representation)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/29/150x84/The-mother-in-law-and-brother-in-law-live-on-Etawa_1717009629482.jpg)
Updated on May 30, 2024 07:00 AM IST
Tourist footfall decreases at Taj as Agra continues to sizzle
Agra, City of Taj, swelters at 46.5 degrees Celsius as intense heat wave hits. Tourism at Taj Mahal impacted, with visitors falling ill due to heat.
![Heat wave in Agra makes it tough for visitors on Saturday. (HT photo) Heat wave in Agra makes it tough for visitors on Saturday. (HT photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/18/150x84/Heat-wave-in-Agra-makes-it-tough-for-visitors-on-S_1716062524453.jpg)
Updated on May 19, 2024 08:04 AM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi, Agra
Mainpuri only 3rd phase seat in Uttar Pradesh to see higher polling % now than in 2019
The third phase of polling was held on May 7 in Sambhal, Hathras (SC), Agra (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Budaun, Aonla and Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.
![SP president Akhilesh Yadav and the party’s Mainpuri candidate Dimple Yadav voting at the polling centre in Saifai on Tuesday. (HT FILE PHOTO) SP president Akhilesh Yadav and the party’s Mainpuri candidate Dimple Yadav voting at the polling centre in Saifai on Tuesday. (HT FILE PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/12/150x84/SP-president-Akhilesh-Yadav-and-the-party-s-Mainpu_1715513883947.jpg)
Updated on May 12, 2024 05:08 PM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi, Agra
Kamakhya Devi temple existed on Sikri premises, claims suit in Agra court
The suit has been filed on behalf of deity Shri Bhagwan Sri Kamakhya Mata as the main petitioner represented through next friend and lawyer Ajay Pratap Singh and five others
![The dargah (mausoleum) of Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti is located within the quadrangle of the Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri. (HT file) The dargah (mausoleum) of Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti is located within the quadrangle of the Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri. (HT file)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/10/150x84/The-dargah--mausoleum--of-Sufi-saint-Shaikh-Salim-_1715340322642.jpg)
Published on May 10, 2024 04:56 PM IST
Hemendra Chaturvedi, Agra
Akash Anand – Whose 'exit' is more talked about than his ‘entry’
Akash Anand, BSP’s anointed heir apparent, was sacked by party chief and aunt. Did BSP miss a trick by removing him in the middle of the elections?
![Bahujan Samaj Party national coordinator Akash Anand (HT Photo)(HT_PRINT) Bahujan Samaj Party national coordinator Akash Anand (HT Photo)(HT_PRINT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/09/148x111/Bahujan-Samaj-Party-national-coordinator-Akash-Ana_1715228144273_1715281882592.jpg)
Published on May 10, 2024 12:46 AM IST
Campaigning ends for 6 seats of Braj region
These six Lok Sabha seats are now gearing up for polling on May 7 in the third phase. Union minister of state for health and family welfare SP Singh Baghel is a candidate from the reserved seat of Agra. UP minister of tourism and culture Jaiveer Singh is locked in a fight with Dimple Yadav in Mainpuri, the stronghold of Yadav clan. Anup Valmiki, another minister of state in UP is contesting the reserved seat of Hathras.
![Campaigning for six Lok Sabha seats of Braj region came to a close on Sunday.These six Lok Sabha seats are now gearing up for polling on May 7 in the third phase. (Pic for representation) Campaigning for six Lok Sabha seats of Braj region came to a close on Sunday.These six Lok Sabha seats are now gearing up for polling on May 7 in the third phase. (Pic for representation)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/05/150x84/Campaigning-for-six-Lok-Sabha-seats-of-Braj-region_1714934487753.jpg)
Updated on May 06, 2024 06:02 AM IST
Insult to Maharana Pratap in SP’s road show: Yogi leads BJP’S attack on SP; three held
“Case has been registered under sections 147 (riot), 188 (Disobedience to order promulgated by public servant), 295A (insulting religious beliefs), 504 (provocation to breach public peace), and Section 171H of the Indian Penal Code against unidentified accused,” the PRO said.
![Samajwadi Party’s national spokesperson Ameeque Jamei denied the allegations. (HT photo) Samajwadi Party’s national spokesperson Ameeque Jamei denied the allegations. (HT photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/05/150x84/Samajwadi-Party-s-national-spokesperson-Ameeque-Ja_1714930527008.jpg)
Updated on May 06, 2024 05:00 AM IST
Shoe hurled at SP Maurya during election meeting
Swami Prasad Maurya was in Doki to campaign for Hotam Singh Nishad, candidate of Rashtriya Soshit Samaj Party. The man was nabbed by police present on the spot but continued to raise slogans against Swami Prasad Maurya. He took out a black cloth from his pocket and waved it as police dragged him away from the spot.
![Swami Prasad Maurya was addressing a gathering near a temple in Doki area about 30 kilometres from Agra on Friday afternoon (Pic for representation) Swami Prasad Maurya was addressing a gathering near a temple in Doki area about 30 kilometres from Agra on Friday afternoon (Pic for representation)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/03/150x84/Swami-Prasad-Maurya-was-addressing-a-gathering-nea_1714762966457.jpg)
Updated on May 04, 2024 07:04 AM IST
Priyanka calls Modi arrogant, urges masses to identify “real leaders”
On the other hand is a mass leader, Rahul Gandhi, who travelled 4,000km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, and from Manipur to Mumbai. Based on his experiences with the common people he met, the Congress prepared its manifesto - ‘Nyay Patra’, she says
![AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi leading a road show in support of Congress candidate, an ex-army man Ramnath Sikarwar, in Fatehpur Sikri on Friday. (HT Photo) AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi leading a road show in support of Congress candidate, an ex-army man Ramnath Sikarwar, in Fatehpur Sikri on Friday. (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/03/150x84/AICC-general-secretary-Priyanka-Gandhi-leading-a-r_1714749042655.jpg)
Published on May 03, 2024 08:41 PM IST