‘Hindutva strangulated’: Shiv Sena seeks CBI probe into Narendra Giri’s death | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘Hindutva strangulated’: Shiv Sena seeks CBI probe into Narendra Giri’s death

Sep 21, 2021 02:25 PM IST

Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut said Narendra Giri was an important seer, who was at the forefront of Ayodhya-Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Raut said Giri's death was “suspicious” and even though it was being called a case of death by suicide, his followers believed it to be a case of “murder”

Shiv Sena on Tuesday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Uttar Pradesh government over the death of seer Narendra Giri in mysterious circumstances, and claimed that “Hindutva was strangulated in Uttar Pradesh.” The leader of former BJP ally sought a CBI probe into Giri’s death in line with the demand by some other political parties.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut attacked the UP government over the death of Mahant Narendra Giri’s in Prayagraj. (PTI Photo/File/Representative use)
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut attacked the UP government over the death of Mahant Narendra Giri’s in Prayagraj. (PTI Photo/File/Representative use)

Giri was the head of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, which is the apex decision-making body of the 13 recognised Hindu monastic orders of the country. He was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his room at his Prayagraj Math on Monday evening. A purported suicide note was found from his room and it named his disciple, Anand Giri, and two others, police said. All these three people have been arrested. Police also said that his disciples at math had said that the Mahant’s room was bolted from inside. However, some have expressed surprise at the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Sena leader and chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said Narendra Giri was an “important seer”, who was at the forefront of Ayodhya-Ram Janmabhoomi movement and his death was “suspicious” and even though it was being called a case of death by suicide, his followers believed it to be a case of “murder”.

“When Sadhus were killed by a mob in Palghar, that time the BJP called it an attack on Hindutva and hue and cry was raised from Uttar Pradesh as well. The manner in which Narendra Giri’s suspicious death has come to light, I think someone has strangulated Hindutva in Uttar Pradesh. This case should also be probed by CBI or the Central Bureau of Investigation. The mysterious death should be probed independently,” Raut said in New Delhi.

Raut was referring to the lynching of two Hindu ascetics and their driver in April 2020 at Gadchinchale village in Palghar district. Following the lynching incident, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had called his Maharashtra counterpart, seeking stringent action against the perpetrators of the crime.

A senior UP police officer said that the suicide note said that though Giri wanted to live with dignity, he was unhappy due to some reasons. He claimed that his disciples have confirmed that the handwriting in the note was that of Mahant Narendra Giri but anything concrete could be said only after proper investigations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath condoled Giri’s death. Expressing sorrow on his death, the PM hailed Giri for playing a vital role in uniting saints of different streams while remaining true to the spiritual traditions. Adityanath termed his death a huge loss to the spiritual world.

Deputy UP CM Dinesh Sharma, while expressing sadness over the seer’s death, said the state government will get it investigated.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Swapnil Rawal is Principal Correspondent with the Hindustan Times. He covers urban development and infrastructure. He had long stints with leading national dailies and has experience of over a decade in journalism.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On