Underworld Don Prakash Pandey Expelled from Juna Akhara Following Monkhood Investigation

Prakash Pandey, a notorious underworld figure serving a life sentence in Almora jail, was expelled from the Juna Akhara seers body. This decision came over a month after he was initiated into monkhood. The expulsion followed an investigation by a committee formed by the Akhara to examine the circumstances of his initiation, which took place inside the jail.

The initiation of Pandey, commonly referred to as PP, was taken seriously by the Akhara. Mahant Harigiri, Juna Akhara's international patron, stated that a five-member committee led by Mahant Prem Giri was established to investigate the matter. The committee presented its findings on Monday, prompting senior saints to deliberate on the issue.

Investigation and Expulsion

On Tuesday, following discussions among senior saints, PP was officially expelled from the Akhara. Mahant Harigiri confirmed this action and emphasized that Pandey no longer has any association with Juna Akhara. He also mentioned that the saints who conducted Pandey's initiation in jail were impostors.

The initiation ceremony for Pandey was conducted by two individuals claiming to be seers from Haridwar. They performed the diksha ceremony within the jail premises, presenting Pandey with a rudraksha garland and a kanthi, which is a sacred beads necklace.

Details of the Ceremony

During the ceremony, these seers renamed Pandey as Prakashanand Giri. They also entrusted him with responsibilities over several monasteries or mutths. However, following the investigation, it was determined that these seers were not genuine representatives of Juna Akhara.

The Juna Akhara's decision to expel Pandey underscores their commitment to maintaining authenticity and integrity within their ranks. The incident highlights concerns about unauthorized religious ceremonies being conducted in unconventional settings like prisons.

This development marks a significant step in addressing irregularities within religious institutions and ensuring that such practices adhere to established norms and traditions. The expulsion serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying credentials and legitimacy in religious matters.