The suspicious death of 'Farsa Wale Baba' in Mathura ignited widespread protests and a highway blockade, prompting police intervention and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident during the President's visit.
Key Points
- The death of 'Farsa Wale Baba' in Mathura sparked significant protests and a traffic blockade on a national highway.
- Supporters allege 'Baba Chandrashekhar' was killed by cattle smugglers, a claim authorities dispute.
- Authorities state the death was caused by a truck accident due to dense fog, involving a vehicle carrying grocery items.
- Police used mild force to disperse protesters after alleged vandalism of police and administrative vehicles.
- The incident occurred during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the district, adding to the sensitivity of the situation.
A man popularly known as 'Farsa wale Baba' died under suspicious circumstances on a highway near the Haryana border here early Saturday, officials said.
The incident triggered protests and a traffic blockade on the day when President Droupadi Murmu was visiting the district.
Angry locals blocked the national highway, leading to traffic snarls stretching several kilometres.
According to videos circulating on social media, protesters allegedly vandalised police and administrative vehicles when authorities attempted to clear the road.
The police later resorted to mild force to disperse the crowd.
Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar said some anti-social elements tried to disturb the situation, prompting police action.
Four to five people have been detained for questioning, he said, adding that the situation was under control with traffic restored. Heavy police deployment has been made in the area, he added.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
Supporters alleged that 'Baba Chandrashekhar' was run over by cattle smugglers when he was trying to stop a truck carrying cattle near the Kotvan border area. Authorities rejected the claim as misleading.
District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said the incident occurred around 4 am when the Baba, along with his followers, stopped a Nagaland-registered container on suspicion of carrying cattle near the Kosi Kalan area. The vehicle was found to be carrying grocery items such as soap, phenyl and shampoo.
He said that due to dense fog, a Rajasthan-registered truck carrying wire rammed into them from behind, leading to the Baba's death on the spot. The truck driver was injured, and the vehicle was damaged.
The police said the body was taken by followers to the Baba's gaushala in Ajanokh village for the last rites. A post-mortem will be conducted if the family or followers request it in writing.
President Murmu's Visit
Earlier in the day, Murmu prayed at the Danghati Temple in Govardhan, where she participated in the aarti of Giriraj Ji Maharaj and performed Govardhan Parikrama as part of her three-day Uttar Pradesh visit.
© 2026