Mahant Durgesh Das threatens self-immersion in Amethi over police inaction
Mahant Durgesh Das of Baba Garib Das Ashram threatens samadhi in Amethi, alleging police inaction and land encroachment.
In a dramatic escalation of a long-standing dispute, Mahant Durgesh Das of the Baba Garib Das Ashram in Amethi has launched a sit-in protest, threatening to perform 'samadhi' (self-immersion) if his demands are not met. The Mahant has already prepared for this extreme step by digging a pit on the ashram premises, stating he might proceed with the act by the afternoon if justice remains elusive.
Allegations of Police Harassment and Inaction
The Mahant, whose ashram falls under the jurisdiction of the Bhale Sultan Shaheed Smarak police station, has leveled serious accusations against local law enforcement. He claims that instead of conducting a fair and impartial investigation into a recent attack on the ashram, the police have turned the tables on him.
According to Durgesh Das, the authorities are using the pretext of counter-litigation to harass him. He alleges that despite submitting numerous formal complaints, no significant action has been taken, leaving him feeling intimidated and deeply distressed. He is calling for a transparent probe into the registered case to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Core Demands of the Ashram Mahant
The protest is driven by several specific grievances that the Mahant believes the administration has ignored. His primary demands include:
- Removal of Encroachments: Immediate action to clear alleged illegal encroachments on the ashram's land.
- Religious Sanctity: Strict measures against the preparation of non-vegetarian food in the immediate vicinity of the holy ashram.
- Impartial Investigation: A thorough and unbiased inquiry into the attacks and incidents reported at the ashram.
The Mahant emphasized that his decision to resort to such an extreme form of protest was born out of desperation, following the administration's repeated failure to address his grievances through standard channels.
Administration Intervenes
As news of the threat spread, the situation drew immediate attention from local officials. Teams comprising members of the police and the revenue department arrived at the Baba Garib Das Ashram to engage with the Mahant. Officials are currently attempting to persuade him to end his sit-in and resolve the matter through dialogue.
The local administration is closely monitoring the developing situation to prevent any escalation and to manage the growing tension at the site.