The body of a 65-year-old mahant, Mahant Mani Ram Das, of Brahm Rishi Nimiya Baba Ashram in Girdharpur village of Hardoi, was found in three pieces in Sitapur district. He had disappeared under mysterious circumstances during a pilgrimage in Mishrikh four days ago.
According to Mishrikh Circle Officer, Rajesh Kumar, preliminary examination suggested that the mahant was hacked to death with a sharp-edged weapon and his body was cut using another weapon. The body was disposed of after being stuffed into a jute bag. The assailants tried to mislead the police by dumping the body on Kesaripur Road.
The deceased’s nephew Tai Ram had reported him missing when his mobile phone was unreachable. The police suspect that the murder took place elsewhere and the body was dumped in Sitapur to divert the investigation. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination and a forensic team has collected samples for further analysis.
The police are investigating the gruesome murder of the mahant, and the motive behind this heinous crime is yet to be determined. The villagers and locals are in shock and fear after such a brutal incident in their area. The authorities are assuring thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice.
