Lucknow, November 26
President of the All-India Akhara Parishad and senior Mahant of Hanuman Garhi Gyan Das today began a fast-unto-death to protest against reported police harassment in collusion with VHP-backed mahants. With this fresh development, the internal politics of the religious leaders in Ayodhya has come into sharp focus.
Gyan Das is protesting against his rival group headed by Madhusudan Das, naming him in an FIR after their respective followers clashed in front of Hanuman Garhi on Thursday.
Four of his followers, including sarpanch of Hanuman Garhi Bachai Das, are recovering from serious injuries suffered during the fight. They have been admitted to Shri Ram Hospital at Ayodhya.
Speaking to The Tribune, Gyan Das said, “I was not even present on the spot. If I would have been there my armed gunners might have fired. So I deliberately stayed away even after hearing about the fight”.
His follower Sanjay Das first filed an FIR with the Ram Janambhoomi police naming 20 members of this rival group; soon the rival group also filed an FIR against Gyan Das and five of his followers, four of whom are in hospital.
The fasting Mahant is demanding the removal of his name from the FIR and immediate action against the culprits. The SSP of Faizabad, Mr Avinash Chandra, while confirming the FIRs said that the matter was basically a property dispute. He said Maqsoodan Baba had passed away at Hanuman Garhi on November 21 and the rival set of followers was fighting to dispose of his body and claim his property.
Dismissing the SSP’s version, Gyan Das said the 90-year-old Maqsoodan Baba lived in a small hired room near Hanuman Garhi and was fed by neighbours. When his rival followers were rummaging through the dead religious guru’s few boxes while the body was still there, Gyan Das followers objected, leading to clash, claims Gyan Das.
This is basically the handiwork of my rivals who have been bothering me for some time for my efforts to bring about Hindu-Muslim harmony in Ayodhya, he said. It was Gyan Das’ idea to organise roza iftar party at Hanuman Garhi for two consecutive years.
