A violent mob descended on Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s encampment at Prayagraj’s Magh Mela, brandishing lathis and bellowing slogans in a brazen bid to breach security. The Saturday evening ruckus has intensified a bitter feud with officials, raising alarms over pilgrim safety in the bustling fairgrounds.
According to the police complaint, the unruly youths arrived around 6:30 PM, saffron flags in one hand and weapons in the other. Their attempts to force entry sparked physical altercations with camp aides. Chants of ‘I love Bulldozer Baba’ echoed, fueling accusations of orchestrated mischief tied to broader political animosities.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand, a prominent religious figure, issued a stark warning in his report to Kalpavasi thana. He cited perils to himself, thousands of followers, and camp assets, pressing for FIR registration and beefed-up protection. The document holds the mela police and administration accountable for any forthcoming mishaps.
Background reveals a simmering conflict ignited when officials halted the leader’s palanquin during Mauni Amavasya snan. Now on day seven of his roadside dharna at Triveni Marg’s northern stretch, the Swami has retreated to a vanity van post-incident, underscoring the gravity.
With the mela in full swing, hosting rituals that attract global devotees, this episode spotlights enforcement gaps. Social media buzzes with supporter outrage, demanding accountability. Authorities must act decisively to restore order, lest one spark ignites a larger conflagration amid the holy confluence.