Nirankari spiritual head Baba Hardev Singh dies in Canada; PM Narendra Modi, other leaders mourn

New Delhi: Baba Hardev Singh, the spiritual head of Sant Nirankari Mission, died in a road accident in Montreal, Canada, an official of the organization said here on Friday.

Kripasagar, press and publicity in-charge of the mission, said they were deeply saddened by the news Baba Hardev Singh's death. He was 62.

"It was sudden and sad news for us," Kripasagar told IANS.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express condolences.

Baba Hardev Singh’s demise is tragic & a great loss to the spiritual world. My thoughts are with his countless followers in this sad time. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 13, 2016

Maheish Giri, the Bhartiya Janata Party MP from East Delhi, described the spiritual leader's demise as a shock.

Shocked to know about sudden demise of Nirankari Sant Pujya Hardev Singhji. May Almighty give strength to his followers to bear this shock. — Maheish Girri (@MaheishGirri) May 13, 2016

I had the fortune of taking Nirankari Babaji's blessings last year in Delhi, along with BJP President @AmitShah ji. pic.twitter.com/xkgats6LTr — Maheish Girri (@MaheishGirri) May 13, 2016

Other reactions are:

Baba Hardev Singh's demise is a huge loss to the Nirankari Mission. May God give his followers the strength to bear the pain of this tragedy — Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) May 13, 2016

Pained,shocked by sad demise of Baba Hardev Singh ji. We can never forget his huge contribution to serve humanity through tireless service — Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) May 13, 2016

Saddened by the news of demise of #nirankari Baba Sh. Hardev Singh. I pray for strength for his family and followers to bear this loss. RIP. — Birender Singh (@ChBirenderSingh) May 13, 2016

Baba Hardev Singh's demise is a loss to the nation. He was doing a lot of service for the people. I have personally seen his 'Samagams'. — Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) May 13, 2016

बाबा हरदेव जी के अकस्मात् निधन से शून्य की स्थिति है,मन विचलित है । बड़े ध्यान से सुन रहा था ज़माना,तुम्हीं सो गये दास्ताँ कहते कहते ! — Vijender Gupta (@Gupta_vijender) May 13, 2016