Maha Kumbh Boatman Who Earned Praise From UP CM Turns Out To Be History-Sheeter, Runs Boat Nexus

Boatman Pintu Mahara from Prayagraj became renowned after CM Yogi Adityanath cited his success in the state Assembly during Maha Kumbh Mela, claiming his family earned Rs 30 crore.

Pintu Mahara, the head of the family, has been booked in 21 cases, including murder and extortion.

Source : Mohd Moin

The conclusion of Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj brought overnight fame to Pintu Mahara, a boatman in the city, after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared his success story in the state Assembly. 

Addressing the House during the budget session, Adityanath slammed the opposition for their negative remark and mentioned the instance of a boatman family that earned Rs 30 crore profit during the 45-day mega religious congregation. 

"I am telling the success story of a boatman's family. They have 130 boats. In 45 days (of Maha Kumbh), they have profited Rs 30 crore... This means each boat has earned Rs 23 lakh. On a daily basis, they earned Rs 50,000-52,000 from each boat," said the CM without mentioning any names. 

Following the remarks, an ABP News team met with Pintu Mahara's family who said they have 130 boats of which 70 were prepared ahead of the grand festival. However, th famliy did not confirm earning Rs 30 crore, further denying to disclose actual income. 

Pintu Mahara Booked In 21 Criminal Cases 

The reality of the family turned out to be far-fetched from what it potrayed in front of the media as cameras followed the family after CM's remark. The family has a long record of crimes and many members have been to jail. 

Pintu has been implicated in 21 criminal cases registered under serious sections. Furthermore, action has been taken against him twice under the Goonda Act and Gangster Act, according to an ABP News report. 

Five members of the family have been killed in the fight for dominance. The family has an image of bullies and mafia in the surrounding area.

Murder, Extortion Charges Against Pintu 

The first case filed against Pintu was in 2005 when he was 23 years old. He is involved in 21 serious criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and extortion.

He has been to jail several times and, after being imprisoned for many years, he was recently released on bail. Allegedly he continued to intimidate people while in jail leading to his transfer to a different prison. 

His criminal history sheet is open at the Naini police station in Prayagraj. Not only Pintu Mahara but his father and brother aso have had criminal backgrounds.

Pintu's father Ram Sahare alias Bachcha Mahara, was a notorious criminal and passed away in jail on June 25, 2018. His elder brother, Anand Mahara, was also a notorious criminal and a history-sheeter who was murdered along with two other people in a dispute related to extortion and recovery.

Pintu Mahara's Boat Racket 

In addition to the criminal records, Pintu runs an entire boat racket along the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj. Under the guise of operating boats, his real businees is extorting money from those who operate the boats. 

One can understand the extent of Pintu's empire by the fact that his family is involved in constructing chequered plates (iron plates) for roads and setting up electricity substations and laying power lines during the Kumbh and Magh Mela festivals. 

Pintu's mother, Shuklawati Devi, is a registered contractor with the electricity department.