Gangster Turned Spiritual Leader: The Controversial Diksha of Prakash Pandey

The Uttarakhand government has launched an inquiry into the conferral of the title 'Mahant' on underworld figure Prakash Pandey, alias PP, in Almora jail. Special Secretary (Home) Riddhim Agarwal has appointed Additional Inspector General Yashwant Chauhan to lead the investigation. The Juna Akhara sect has also initiated its own probe into the matter.

The Uttarakhand government on Sunday commissioned an inquiry into the controversial initiation of notorious underworld don Prakash Pandey, known as PP, into the spiritual title of Mahant while in Almora jail.

According to an official statement, Special Secretary (Home) Riddhim Agarwal appointed Additional Inspector General of Prison Administration, Yashwant Chauhan, to investigate the case and submit a report within a week. Pandey, implicated in multiple crimes—including murder, robbery, and ransom—received 'diksha' from two sadhus on September 5. During the ritual, he was adorned with a 'rudraksha' rosary and a 'kanthi' amidst mantra chanting.

The sadhus, identified as representatives of the Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, renamed Pandey to Prakashanand Giri. In response, the Juna Akhara instituted its own seven-member committee led by national president Mahant Prem Giri to examine the incident thoroughly, including any potential financial transactions. Prakash Pandey, admired by the sadhus for his past encounters with infamous criminals, will reportedly undergo a larger initiation ceremony at Prayagraj Kumbh in 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)