During a satsang in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, chaos erupted resulting in the tragic death of 121 people. His followers affectionately called Narayan Sakar Hari, the focus of the Satsang, Bhole Baba.
On July 2nd, a stampede broke out during Bhole Baba’s satsang in Fulrai village, Singadaraou area of Hathras. The police have registered an FIR in the case; however, Bhole Baba’s name is not mentioned in the FIR. Bhole Baba has attributed the stampede to antisocial elements.
On Wednesday, Bhole Baba issued a statement revealing that he had already departed from there and blamed antisocial elements for causing the chaos. Baba also stated that Supreme Court lawyer AP Singh, alias Ajay Prakash Singh, will represent him against these elements in the entire matter.
According to reports, AP Singh began his legal career with the controversial case of Chandraswami, who was a tantric claiming himself as a godman. Chandraswami, embroiled in multiple controversies, advised prominent figures such as the Sultan of Brunei, actress Elizabeth Taylor, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. The Jain Commission report also alleged Chandraswami’s involvement in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.
AP Singh’s Controversial Defense
In September 2020, a gangrape occurred with a 19-year-old woman in Hathras, leading to her death two weeks later during treatment. In this case, AP Singh is representing four accused.
Criticism was leveled against AP Singh for defending the accused. While defending his stance on the Hathras incident, AP Singh stated in an interview, “Shouldn’t I ask what the girl was doing with the boy so late at night? This is part of the evidence. I’m not saying they had a brother-sister relationship and were out celebrating Raksha Bandhan. I’m just saying they were friends. In their society, relationships between lovers are acceptable, but where I come from, they are not.”
Also Read: Flyover Slab Collapses On Car In Andheri, Mumbai: Video
AP Singh also defended Swami Chinmayanand, accused of rape, securing bail for him in Allahabad High Court. AP Singh advocates for the establishment of a commission or ministry for men. He campaigns for this cause, claiming that between 50 to 175 men in India commit suicide every day, with many attributing their distress to women in their lives.
Nirbhaya Case
AP Singh relentlessly fought the case for the four convicts – Akshay, Pawan, Vinay, and Mukesh – involved in the Nirbhaya incident that occurred in Delhi on December 16, 2012, making every effort to save them from the gallows.
AP Singh revealed that he had met the accused’s mother upon her plea for help. He stated that he decided to take up the case for the accused upon his mother’s insistence.
Following the nationwide candlelight marches after the Nirbhaya incident, AP Singh sparked controversy by mocking the protests, saying, ‘My parents are simple people. They are spiritual and do not watch TV. Hence, they have no idea about protests, Jantar Mantar, Ramleela Maidan, candles, incense sticks, and oil lamps.’
The Saket Court in Delhi sentenced Nirbhaya’s convicts to death by hanging, prompting AP Singh to shout in court that the judge has supported ‘lies’. He accused that political pressure and considerations of vote bank politics influenced the decision. Outside the court, AP Singh threatened, “If my sister or daughter engages in a relationship before marriage, I will bring her to my farmhouse and burn her alive with petrol.”
Also Read: Mob Lynching Of Naga Baba In Motihari Sparks Outrage And Police Action
The case of Nirbhaya’s convicts lasted for seven years in courts from the lower to the Supreme Court, which upheld their death sentence. The President also dismissed their mercy plea. On March 20, 2020, authorities hanged all four convicts in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. Following this, AP Singh argued, “Mahatma Gandhi said death penalty is a form of violence. They deserved a chance at reform. If Phoolan Devi and other ruthless criminals could be reformed, why not these children?”
AP Singh To Prosecute Bhole Baba
During the satsang in Hathras, chaos erupted, and Bhole Baba has been on the run since then. Bhole Baba issued a statement saying that AP Singh will fight against antisocial elements.
AP Singh stated that when Narayan Sakar Hari left the scene and his vehicle departed, our volunteers and followers couldn’t understand what was happening. He said that antisocial elements conspired this and it should be investigated.
Also Read: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Executive President Hemant Soren Sworn In Again As Jharkhand CM
