Allahabad: Lately baptised Mahamandaleshwar Sachchidananda Giri Maharaj, also known as Sachin Dutta before he embraced asceticism, has been suspended by Niranjani Akhara over charges against him for his involvement in liquor trade and other criminal activities.
The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad has forbidden Sachin Dutta to take part in Nashik holy bath and other spiritual events.
"Sachchidanand Giri has been restrained to visit the Nasik Kumbh as a Mahamandaleshwar of the Agni Akhara until he is given a clean chit by the Parishad which is investigating the allegations against him,” Parishad's president Narendra Giri was quoted as saying by PTI.
"Although there can be no bar on anybody with regard to visiting Kumbh Mela as a lay devotee, for propriety's sake Sachchidanand has been advised to avoid doing so," he added.
Earlier known as Sachin Dutta, the Noida-based businessman was given the new name besides the title of 'Mahamandaleshwara' at a ceremony held here on Guru Poornima festival which fell on July 31.
The development had sparked off a controversy as Dutta was said to be owner of a beer bar in the NCR region and alleged to be named in an FIR lodged in Punjab.
(With PTI inputs)
