By Arun Pratap Singh
Haridwar, 7 Sep: The controversy over making underworld don Prakash Pandey the Mahant of Juna Akhara has gained momentum. National General Secretary of Juna Akhara Parishad, Mahant Hari Giri Maharaj has clarified in strong words that the underworld Don Prakash Pandey alias PP has nothing to do with the Akhara and he also expressed shock over his alleged appointment as Mahant and Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara. Hari Giri has also shared that the Juna Akhara has ordered an inquiry into this matter. In addition, questions have arisen also on the district and jail administration of Almora regarding the function allegedly held in Almora Jail to appoint PP as the Mahant. Such functions are not permitted inside the jail.
Last evening, National General Secretary and International Patron of the Akhara, Mahant Hari Giri Maharaj constituted a seven-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. He said that the sages or the members of the Akhara who had taken action to appoint PP as Mathadhish or Mahamandleshwar will also be brought under the ambit of investigation. He said that in case, it is proved in the investigation that anyone connected to the Akhara has taken money or any other favour to appoint PP as a Mahant of the Akhara, then he will be expelled from the Akhara. At the same time, Chairman of Akhara Parishad, Srimahant Ravindra Puri Maharaj chose to refrain from making a direct comment on the development and claimed that it was an internal matter of Juna Akhara. Only the sages from the Akhara saints can comment on this.
It may be recalled that two days ago, Prakash Pandey alias PP, lodged currently in Almora jail, was made appointed head of many temples by some sages of Juna Akhara by giving him Deeksha (Religious Knowledge). This information was also shared with the media through a formal press conference and this created a stir across the state and across the country.
It is worth mentioning that after the demise of Mahamandaleshwar Pilot Baba of Juna Akhara, a tribute meeting was held yesterday. All the seers and sages including Akhada Parishad President Mahant Ravindrapuri and Juna Akhara’s International General Secretary Harigiri Maharaj paid tribute to Pilot Baba at Pilot Baba Ashram in Jagjitpur, Haridwar.
Now that the issue has snowballed causing some embarrassment also to the district and the jail administration besides causing embarrassment also to the Juna Akhara management, DIG (Prison) DR Bhaurya commented that there is no information with whose permission such activities were carried out in the jail. Almora Jail Superintendent Jayant Pangati has been asked to give an explanation in the matter. Meanwhile, surveillance on those visiting PP in Almora Jail has also been increased.
