New Delhi: The president of All India Akhara Parishad, Mahant Narendra Giri, was found dead at his Baghambari Math located residence on Monday in Prayagraj.
The cause of death is not yet confirmed. Currently, foul play and suspicious circumstances are being suspected, as per early reports.
All India Akhara Parishad is the largest organisation of saints in India. Being the Mahant of the largest organisation of saints, he also had a lot of political influence.
Recently, he had a dispute with his disciple Swami Anand Giri. Yoga guru Swami Anand Giri of the Bade Hanuman temple was sacked from Baghambari Math and the Akhara for allegedly being in constant touch with his family against the traditions of being a sanyasi.
Talking to ABP News, Swami Anand Giri alleged that there was a conspiracy to create a rift between him and his Guru, Mahant Giri, in the past few years. "Those who succeeded in separating us are behind his death", he claimed.
Purported Suicide Note Found: UP Police
Uttar Pradesh Police have found out a purported suicide note which they say was written like a will. The note mentions Swami Anand Giri and other disciples as the cause of him taking his life.
In the purported suicide note, UP Police said it was written that Mahant Narendra Giri was "troubled for several reasons including the rift with his disciple".
A forensic probe will be conducted to verify the authenticity of the note.
'Irreparable Loss': CM Adityanath, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the death of Mahant Narendra Giri as he wrote: "The demise of Shri Narendra Giri ji, Chairman, Akhara Parishad is extremely saddening. Dedicated to spiritual traditions, he played a major role in connecting many streams of saintly society together. May the Lord place him at his feet. Om Shanti!!"
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called Mahant Narendra Giri's death "an irreparable loss to the spiritual world".
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had also called the demise an "irreparable loss".
"May God grant the virtuous soul a place at his feet and give strength to his followers to bear this sorrow. (My) Heartfelt tribute," he wrote.
Uttar Pradesh government will investigate the cause of Mahant Narendra Giri's death.
A forensic team and a special team reached the spot to begin the investigation. Senior officials were also present, news agency ANI reported.
Anand Giri Kept Under Police Observation At Haridwar Ashram
Revealing details about the case, ADG Law and Order Prashant Kumar said: "Information was received that the President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Narendra Giri died by suicide. The disciples told the police that around 3-4 pm, they broke the door which was locked from inside and found him hanging".
"Immediately police reached there, along with forensic and other teams. A suicide note was recovered in which he accused Anand Giri and two others for this step. Anand Giri detained from Haridwar with the help of Uttarakhand Police and a further probe is underway," he added, as quoted by ANI.
Meanwhile, according to the Uttarakhand DGP, Anand Giri has been kept under observation of police at the Haridwar Ashram.
"Anand Giri kept under observation of Police at Haridwar Ashram after we received a phone call from UP Police. Further action will be taken by UP Police after they come": Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar said, as reported by ANI.