Dhamana (Ropar), July 23
After the quashing of Ropar District Magistrate’s order regarding a ban on the entry of controversial Baba Piara Singh Bhaniarawala in the Ropar district till September 12 by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 19, the Baba, after reportedly spending some days in Himachal Pradesh, once again returned to his native Dhamana village last evening. Earlier, the Baba had returned to his village on July 10 after spending nine months in jail after he had been arrested in September following incidents of burning of “birs” in Ropar and Fatehgarh Sahib districts.

The District Magistrate on July 11 has imposed a ban on the entry of the Baba in the district till September 12 in view of the danger to public tranquillity due to his presence in the district. The Baba was arrested for violating the order of the District Magistrate on July 15 in the evening, the deadline for leaving the district for the Baba, when he failed to leave the district on his own. Later, on July 15 in the night, the Baba was released on bail. On the same night, the Baba left the Nurpur Bedi police station for Chandigarh on a promise reportedly that he would not enter the district during the specified period.

When this correspondent visited the house of Baba Bhaniarawala today, only five of six followers of the Baba were present in his palatial house. It seemed that thousands of his followers had now deserted him.

Talking to newspersons, the Baba claimed that there was no threat to his life here. But he could face a danger to his life if he left this place and went outside the district, he added. He said he would go outside his village to feed the animals and birds. Later he would go to Himachal Pradesh also in this connection, he stated.

The Baba said he would not retaliate against even those who were opposing him as he felt that peace always won.

In reply to a question whether he will appear before the Akal Takht, he said he respected all religions. He said he might have more devotion towards the Akal Takht than those who were asking him to appear before it. He said he did not hate any religion or person. He also stated that he would organise “paths” of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Srimad Bhagwad Geeta and the Bible etc in the near future.

In view of the possibilities of a law and order problem in the Nurpur Bedi area and Dhamana village, sources claimed that the police might restrict the entry of the followers of the Baba in the area. Besides, the Baba’s movement might also be restricted.

Mr Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SSP, Ropar, today said with a view to strengthen the security of the Baba as per the order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, security would be strengthened in and around Dhamana village. He said at present a seven-member team of security personnel was camping at the residence of the Baba for his protection.