Mahant Narendra Giri, Akhada Parishad head, found dead

Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad president Mahant Narendra Giri was found dead on Monday. Giri's body was found in Baghambari mutt in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. According to initial reports, he was found hanging. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit Prayagraj today (Tuesday) to pay his last respects to Mahant.

A 5-page suicide note has also been recovered where he has held one of his disciples, Anand Giri, responsible for his death, police said.

Police said, Narendra Giri's disciple Anand Giri, who's accused of Mahant's killing has been taken into custody in Haridwar.

According to Inspector General of Police K P Singh, Mahant Giri's body was found hanging from the ceiling by his disciples. The IGP said that police had received a call at 5.30 PM from the Muth that Giri had hanged himself. A purported suicide note was also found at the site in which the seer had written that he was mentally disturbed and was ending his life. He had also delegated various responsibilities to his disciples in the note, the police said.

ALSO READ: Mahant Narendra Giri passes away; PM Modi condoles

Addressing the media, Singh, said, "Initial investigation suggests it is suicide. Mahant has written a very detailed suicide note where he has also listed his items which have to be given to respective people..."

Police has also detained Adya Tiwari, who is the chief priest of Hanuman Temple in Prayagraj and his son Sandeep Tiwari, as their names have also been mentioned in Mahant Narendra Giri's suicide note.

Giri was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh after testing Covid positive in April this year. He later recovered and was subsequently discharged from the hospital.

Among first, Uttar Pradesh former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav consoled his death. "All India Akhara Parishad President Pujya Narendra Giri ji passed away, irreparable loss! May God grant the virtuous soul a place at his feet and strength to his followers to bear this sorrow. Heartfelt tribute," Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh said in a tweet condoling Narendra Giri's demise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the Mahant's death. He said, "The death of Akhara Parishad President Shri Narendra Giri ji is extremely sad. While staying devoted to spiritual traditions, he played a big role in connecting many streams of Sant Samaj together. May the Lord place them at your feet. Peace!!"

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also expressed his condolences. "Received sad information about the departure of revered saint Mahant Narendra Giri Ji Maharaj, president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. The contribution made by Pujya Swamiji, who dedicated his life for the cause of Sanatan Dharma, in the welfare of the society will always be remembered. May God place his soul at his feet," he tweeted.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in his condolence message said, "The death of Mahant Narendra Giri ji, President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, is an irreparable loss to the spiritual world. Pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant the departed soul a place at His feet and strength to the bereaved followers to bear this sorrow."

Others to condole the death of the Mahant was:

ALSO READ: Mahant Narendra Giri's death: Police also probing foul play angle, say reports

ALSO READ: 'It is murder', says Narendra Giri's disciple Anand Giri, who's accused of Mahant's killing