Introduction:
Bageshwar Dham Baba, also known as Shiv Murat Dwivedi, was a self-proclaimed spiritual guru who gained a significant following in India. He founded several ashrams and claimed to possess supernatural powers, performing miracles and claiming to have a direct connection with Hindu gods and goddesses. However, his fraudulent activities, sexual harassment, and criminal activities eventually led to his arrest and conviction.
Early Life and Rise to Fame:
Bageshwar Dham Baba was born in 1954 in Uttar Pradesh, India. He claimed to have gained spiritual enlightenment at a young age and began his journey as a spiritual guru. He traveled extensively throughout India and gained a significant following, which he called his "disciples." He founded the Bageshwar Dham ashram in Delhi and the Mahadev Shiv Shakti Peeth ashram in Haridwar, which attracted thousands of followers.
Claims of Miracles and Healing:
One of the key factors that contributed to Bageshwar Dham Baba's rise to fame was his claims of performing miracles and healing people through his blessings and spiritual practices. He claimed to have cured people of various illnesses and disabilities, including cancer, paralysis, and blindness, through his supernatural powers. He also claimed to be in direct communication with Hindu gods and goddesses and could predict the future.
Allegations of Fraud:
Several allegations of fraud and financial misconduct were leveled against Bageshwar Dham Baba. He was accused of taking money from his followers for healing and spiritual services, promising them a place in heaven and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. He also claimed to have the power to make people's wishes come true and would charge exorbitant amounts of money for his services. He was known to exploit vulnerable people, such as those suffering from illnesses and disabilities.
Sexual Harassment Allegations:
In addition to fraud, Bageshwar Dham Baba was also accused of sexual harassment and abuse. Several women came forward and accused him of sexually exploiting them under the guise of spiritual practice. He allegedly coerced them into sexual activities, citing the need to break their attachment to the material world and attain spiritual enlightenment. The victims included women from various age groups and social backgrounds, some of whom were under his care and were seeking spiritual guidance.
Criminal Activities and Arrest:
Bageshwar Dham Baba's criminal activities came to light when the Delhi police received a complaint from a woman accusing him of sexual harassment. During the investigation, the police discovered that he was involved in several criminal activities, including human trafficking and prostitution. He had a network of brothels across Delhi and would force women into prostitution, citing spiritual reasons. He would lure young girls and women with the promise of providing them with spiritual guidance and would then force them into prostitution. He was arrested in 2018 and charged with several offenses, including rape, cheating, and human trafficking.
Conviction and Sentencing:
In 2020, Bageshwar Dham Baba was found guilty of several charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was convicted of rape, human trafficking, cheating, and forgery. The court found him guilty of sexually exploiting women and forcing them into prostitution. The judge described him as a "menace to society" and stated that he had "preyed on the vulnerabilities of gullible people."
Impact on Society:
The case of Bageshwar Dham Baba had a profound impact on Indian society. It exposed the dark side of spiritual gurus and their exploitation of vulnerable people, particularly women. It also highlighted the need for more stringent laws and regulations to prevent such fraudulent and criminal activities. The case received widespread media attention and sparked a public outcry, with many demanding justice for the victims and stricter regulations on spiritual gurus.
Lessons Learned:
The case of Bageshwar Dham Baba serves as a reminder of the dangers of blind faith and the importance of critical thinking. Many of his followers were lured by his claims of miracles and spiritual enlightenment, without questioning his credentials or practices. It is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with following spiritual gurus and to verify their credentials before placing blind faith in them.
Conclusion:
The reality of Bageshwar Dham Baba highlights the need for greater awareness and vigilance in our society. While spiritual gurus can provide guidance and support to those seeking spiritual enlightenment, it is essential to ensure that they are legitimate and do not engage in fraudulent or criminal activities. The case of Bageshwar Dham Baba should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to exercise caution and critical thinking when dealing with spiritual gurus and their claims of supernatural powers. We must be vigilant and demand greater accountability from these individuals, to prevent them from exploiting vulnerable people in the future.
Sources :
1."Bageshwar Dham Baba: Rise and Fall of a Fraud Spiritual Guru." The Quint, 17 Feb. 2020, https://www.thequint.com/news/india/bageshwar-dham-baba-rise-and-fall-of-a-fraud-spiritual-guru.
2.Bageshwar Dham Baba, A Controversial Spiritual Leader, Arrested for Sexual Abuse." India Today, 16 Feb. 2020, https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bageshwar-dham-baba-arrested-sexual-abuse-1647013-2020-02-16.
3."Bageshwar Dham Baba: A Spiritual Guru with a Criminal Record." Hindustan Times, 20 Feb. 2020, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bageshwar-dham-baba-a-spiritual-guru-with-a-criminal-record/story-xykPevAolm9Qg1s4vx4jLP.html.
4.Bageshwar Dham Baba: The Rise and Fall of a Self-Styled Godman." The Week, 17 Feb. 2020, https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/02/17/bageshwar-dham-baba-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-self-styled-godman.html.
5."The Story of Bageshwar Dham Baba: From a Spiritual Guru to a Rape Accused." News18, 19 Feb. 2020, https://www.news18.com/news/india/the-story-of-bageshwar-dham-baba-from-a-spiritual-guru-to-a-rape-accused-2501335.html.