Dera Jagmalwali chief’s family likely to move court to put an end to succession dispute
Anil Kakkar
Sirsa, August 3
The succession of leadership at Dera Jagmalwali has sparked a controversy after the passing of its chief, Bahadur Chand Vakil Sahib. The dispute intensified on Saturday when Sufi singer Virender Singh, a disciple of the late chief, declared himself as the next dera head. However, this announcement was met with opposition from Vakil Sahib’s nephew, who released a video on social media disputing Virender Singh’s claim.
Kin gathering evidence
Amar Singh, a nephew of Jagmalwali dera chief Bahadur Chand Vakil Sahib, and his supporters are gathering evidence to substantiate their claim in court that Vakil Sahib’s will, allegedly appointing his disciple Virender Singh as successor, might have been manipulated.
The nephew, identified as Amar Singh, said the dera’s 4-5 lakh followers would not accept Virender as their new leader. He accused Virender of manipulating facts and announced intentions to challenge the succession in court. Amar Singh alleged that Vakil Sahib actually passed away on July 21, not August 1 as officially reported, suggesting a deliberate delay in announcing his death to facilitate Virender’s claim to the ‘gaddi’.
Amar Singh and his supporters are gathering evidence to substantiate their claim in court that Vakil Sahib’s will, allegedly appointing Virender as successor, might have been manipulated under suspicious circumstances. They have filed a complaint with the police, who are investigating the matter.
The succession dispute has led to a tense atmosphere at the dera, with reported confrontations between supporters of Virender and those loyal to Amar Singh. The police have been deployed to maintain order at Dera Jagmalwali.
Virender Singh, supported by a video recording of Vakil Sahib’s will made 18 months prior to his death, asserts his legitimacy as the rightful successor. He claims to have been instructed by Vakil Sahib to continue serving the dera’s followers, a sentiment echoed by his close aides.
