News for 'godman'

Chaitanyananda behind bars, but his grip of fear stays on campus

Chaitanyananda behind bars, but his grip of fear stays on campus

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

The arrest of Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati in Agra has brought relief to his alleged victims, but concerns remain about the long road to justice and the possibility of his influence affecting the case.

Delhi baba questioned in room where he raped students

Delhi baba questioned in room where he raped students

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Delhi Police on Monday questioned Chaitanyananda Saraswati in connection with allegations of sexual harassment of female students at Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management.

'Inescapable web': How Chaitanyananda intimidated students

'Inescapable web': How Chaitanyananda intimidated students

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused of sexually harassing students, allegedly created an 'inescapable web' of intimidation at a private management institute, ensuring his control over its operations.

'A Domestic Dispute That Became A National Dispute'

'A Domestic Dispute That Became A National Dispute'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

'I wanted to go for the heart, and at the same time, open the audience's mind.'

Delhi baba booked for sexually harassing 17 students at his institute

Delhi baba booked for sexually harassing 17 students at his institute

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

Female students alleged that Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene messages, and made unwanted physical advances.

'Baby, I love you': Delhi baba's lewd texts revealed in FIR

'Baby, I love you': Delhi baba's lewd texts revealed in FIR

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Female students of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, Delhi were allegedly forced to visit the quarter of self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati late at night and one of them was even forced to change her name, the FIR filed against him read.

Fake embassy scam: UP man posed as 'West Arctica' envoy

Fake embassy scam: UP man posed as 'West Arctica' envoy

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force unearths a fake embassy operating in Ghaziabad, arresting a man who claimed to be a diplomat of a non-existent country.

Major stampede at religious events, other gatherings in India

Major stampede at religious events, other gatherings in India

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

This is not the first time that a large number of people have died in stampedes at temples and other religious gatherings over the years in India.

50 people have been killed in stampedes this year

50 people have been killed in stampedes this year

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The Royal Challenger's Bengaluru parade in celebration of the team's maiden Indian Premiere League win in 18 years turned into tragedy as at least 11 fans died and several were injured in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.

He can do anything: Rape survivor's kin on fresh bail for Asaram

He can do anything: Rape survivor's kin on fresh bail for Asaram

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

The survivor's father claimed the family had been cheated by their lawyer who did not file an objection to Asaram's bail plea despite getting all the papers ready.

SC orders protection to Discovery after threats over Asaram documentary

SC orders protection to Discovery after threats over Asaram documentary

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has granted interim police protection to Discovery Communications India officials who have been receiving threats from followers of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu. The threats were triggered by the release of a documentary series titled "Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu". The court has directed the Centre and several state governments to ensure the safety of the petitioners, including their offices.

SC grants interim bail to Asaram Bapu in 2013 rape case

SC grants interim bail to Asaram Bapu in 2013 rape case

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The top court said 86-year-old Asaram was suffering from various age-related health conditions besides a heart ailment.

A look at India's deadly stampedes in recent past

A look at India's deadly stampedes in recent past

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway station, which claimed the lives of at least 18 people, highlights a recurring issue in India: deadly stampedes. This tragedy is not an isolated incident, as numerous stampedes resulting in significant casualties have occurred over the years. This article explores some of the most devastating stampedes in India, including the deadly event at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj just a few weeks ago, the 2024 tragedy at a 'satsang' in Hathras, and the 2013 stampede during Navratri festivities in Madhya Pradesh.

Maha Kumbh horror: A look at major stampedes in India

Maha Kumbh horror: A look at major stampedes in India

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Here is a list of some of such major tragedies that have taken place in the country in recent years.

Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 Review: More Of The Same

Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 Review: More Of The Same

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

If Prakash Jha is able to transfer today's social and political reality onto the screen, the future seasons of Aashram might just get a much-needed dose of eyeball-grabbing power, observes Deepa Gahlot.

'Ashram Is The Gadar Of OTT'

'Ashram Is The Gadar Of OTT'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

'Ashram made people realise that Bobby Deol can play different characters.' 'It was the most watched show till date.'

So, This Is Bhole Baba!

So, This Is Bhole Baba!

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

Self-styled godman Surajpal also known as 'Bhole Baba' appeared before the judicial commission in Lucknow investigating the July 2 stampede at his congregation in Hathras which led to the death of 121 people, most of them women and children.

'I Didn't Tell My Family About Aashram'

'I Didn't Tell My Family About Aashram'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

'I knew I wouldn't be offered hero roles anymore. That is why when I accepted this show.'

Oscar-Nominated Movies Rule OTT

Oscar-Nominated Movies Rule OTT

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Women power, rebellious love, shady godmen, love triangles and more on OTT. Sukanya Verma lists everything coming up on OTT this week.

Hathras stampede: On grilling Baba, probe panel says...

Hathras stampede: On grilling Baba, probe panel says...

Rediff.com7 Jul 2024

The judicial commission set up by the Uttar Pradesh government will speak to anyone required for its inquiry into the July 2 Hathras stampede, a probe panel member said on Sunday when asked if self-styled godman Bhole Baba will also be questioned.

Poisonous substance triggered stampede: Bhole Baba's lawyer

Poisonous substance triggered stampede: Bhole Baba's lawyer

Rediff.com7 Jul 2024

Self-styled godman Bhole Baba's lawyer A P Singh alleged on Sunday that witnesses told him some people opened cans containing a poisonous substance in the crowd during the July 2 Hathras 'satsang', triggering the stampede.

The Legend That Was Pritish Nandy

The Legend That Was Pritish Nandy

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

He was colourful. He was dramatic. He was The Master of His Craft. There never will be an editor as versatile as Pritish Nandy, notes Nikhil Lakshman.

Self-styled godman Rampal found guilty of murder

Self-styled godman Rampal found guilty of murder

Rediff.com11 Oct 2018

Rampal and 27 of his followers were charged with murder and wrongful confinement after four women and a child were found dead in his Satlok Ashram in Barwala town in Hisar on November 19, 2014.

SIT points to 'big conspiracy' behind Hathras satsang stampede

SIT points to 'big conspiracy' behind Hathras satsang stampede

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday suspended the local SDM, a circle officer and four others based on the SIT report on the Hathras stampede that did not rule out a "big conspiracy" behind the incident.

Everyone has to die one day: Bhole Baba on stampede

Everyone has to die one day: Bhole Baba on stampede

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

Self-styled godman Bhole Baba said Wednesday that he is very disturbed by the Hathras stampede but nobody can avoid what is destined and everyone has to die one day.

Controversial Odisha 'godman' Sarathi Baba arrested

Controversial Odisha 'godman' Sarathi Baba arrested

Rediff.com8 Aug 2015

Controversial self-styled 'godman' Sarathi Baba was on Saturday arrested by Odisha police on cheating and other charges following violent protests demanding action against him for his alleged escapades.

Hathras stampede: Bhole Baba not named in 3200-page chargesheet

Hathras stampede: Bhole Baba not named in 3200-page chargesheet

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

A total of 121 people, mostly women, died in the stampede after a satsang of Surajpal alias Bhole Baba alias Narayan Sakar Hari on July 2 in Fulrai village in Hathras' Sikandra Rao area.

Controversial godman Chandraswami dies

Controversial godman Chandraswami dies

Rediff.com23 May 2017

He was seen as one of former PM Rao's trusted aides and advisers.

Pranab should've been PM, Manmohan Prez because...: Aiyar in new book

Pranab should've been PM, Manmohan Prez because...: Aiyar in new book

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, in his latest book, argues that Pranab Mukherjee should have been made Prime Minister in 2012 instead of Manmohan Singh, who was then recovering from health issues. Aiyar believes this would have prevented the "paralysis of governance" and "doomed" any prospects the Congress might have had to form UPA-III. He also criticizes the government's handling of the Anna Hazare-led agitation and the Commonwealth Games scandal, which he believes contributed to the party's downfall in the 2014 general elections.

Preliminary report reveals what caused Hathras stampede

Preliminary report reveals what caused Hathras stampede

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

Chaos caused after Narayan Sakaar Hari's followers were pushed by the godman's security and a 'slippery slope' resulted in the stampede that killed 121 people in Hathras on Tuesday, a preliminary report by the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) said.

Hathras stampede: Preacher Bhole Baba equated himself to God

Hathras stampede: Preacher Bhole Baba equated himself to God

Rediff.com4 Jul 2024

The self-styled godman, who is called Baba Narayan Hari and Saakar Vishwa Hari Bhole Baba, is not named in the list of the accused in the FIR filed in the incident though his name is in the complaint.

OTT's 10 Best Male Performances of 2024

OTT's 10 Best Male Performances of 2024

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Picking 10 excellent performances has been difficult but the attempt is to acknowledge the work of actors, who are often overlooked in favour of stars.

Godman Falahari Maharaj arrested on charge of rape

Godman Falahari Maharaj arrested on charge of rape

Rediff.com23 Sep 2017

As per the complaint, the parents of the woman, who is studying law in Jaipur, are followers of Falahari Maharaj for the past several years.

2024's 10 Best OTT Films

2024's 10 Best OTT Films

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The top 10 films of the year may not be great by themselves but they stand out amidst the other OTT releases.

Hathras satsang stampede: Police suspect 'political link' to Bhole Baba

Hathras satsang stampede: Police suspect 'political link' to Bhole Baba

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

The Hathras SP said the investigation also revealed that some political parties had contacted him some time back.

Kerala: Controversial godman in custody

Kerala: Controversial godman in custody

Rediff.com13 May 2008

The godman was picked up late on Monday night along with his driver Thomas and is being questioned by top police officials, police said. Amrit Chaitanya alias Santosh Madhavan was taken into custody based on a complaint by Serafin Edwin, a Keralite woman, who had alleged that the self-styled godman had cheated her of Rs 45 lakh.

Asaram: From godman to rapist

Asaram: From godman to rapist

Rediff.com25 Apr 2018

Asumal Sirumalani aka Asaram added around 400 ashrams in India and abroad within a span of four decades.

Godman Nityananda surrenders in court

Godman Nityananda surrenders in court

Rediff.com13 Jun 2012

Nityananda, whose whereabouts remained unknown since the latest case of assault and threat to life was registered on June 8, turned up at the judicial magistrate's court surprising the police who were on the lookout for him

Don't want to politicise but...: Rahul meets Hathras stampede victims' kin

Don't want to politicise but...: Rahul meets Hathras stampede victims' kin

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

A total of 121 people, mostly women, died in the stampede at self-styled godman Baba Bhole's satsang in Hathras on Tuesday.

Hathras stampede main accused surrenders in Delhi

Hathras stampede main accused surrenders in Delhi

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

In a video message, Madhukar's lawyer AP Singh claimed that his client had surrendered in Delhi, where he was undergoing treatment.