The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday took over the inquiry into the death of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad chief Narendra Giri. The central agency has formed a six-member team for investigation and filed a first information report in the case, India Today reported.
On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh government had recommended that the CBI take over the investigation from the state police.
The chief of the organisation of Hindu seers and ascetics was found hanging in a room at the Baghambari Math in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj city on Monday. The post-mortem report has mentioned asphyxia, or suffocation, due to hanging, according to India Today.
The Uttar Pradesh Police have so far arrested three men, including Narendra Giri’s aide and disciple Anand Giri on charges of abetment to suicide.
In a purported suicide note that was found along with the seer’s body, Narendra Giri had reportedly alleged that Anand Giri was “blackmailing” him about a morphed photo with a girl. The note also named a priest of the Baghambari Math, Adhya Tiwari, and his son, Sandeep.
Over the last few months, Narendra Giri and his disciple had also been accusing each other of being involved in financial irregularities, according to The Indian Express.
Before the CBI took over the investigation, a five-member team of the agency had visited the mutt in Prayagraj on Thursday afternoon, according to The Times of India.
As part of its preliminary inquiry, the CBI team spoke to police officials, including the 18-member special investigation team formed by state government to look into the matter. CBI officials also spoke to Narendra Giri’s disciples and the team of doctors who conducted the autopsy.
Also read:
Who was Mahant Narendra Giri, the seer who died by suicide, according to Uttar Pradesh police?
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!