Former Mahamandaleshwar fears for life in video:Calls Akhada Parishad chief ‘Duryodhan’, alleges attempt to dishonour her

A new twist has emerged in the case of an alleged conspiracy to trap Mahamandaleshwar Shanti Swaroopanand Maharaj of Chardham Temple in Ujjain in a honeytrap. Former Mahamandaleshwar Sadhvi Mandakini, who has been named as an accused in the case, released a video claiming that her life is in danger and levelled allegations against Akhada Parishad president Ravindra Puri Maharaj. Meanwhile, the woman brought from Varanasi has also expressed fears for her life and accused Mandakini and the entire group of conspiring in the matter. Police case registered, accused still absconding Mahakal police station has registered a case against Sadhvi Mandakini and Ghanshyam Patel for allegedly plotting to blackmail the Mahamandaleshwar by trapping him in a false rape case. Ghanshyam Patel’s anticipatory bail has already been rejected, while police are searching for both accused. Allegations of conspiracy made by releasing video In the video released by her, Sadhvi Mandakini said she is currently on a pilgrimage in Uttarakhand and will cooperate with the police investigation. She alleged that the woman from Varanasi who gave a statement against her was hired to conspire against her. Mandakini also said she will reach Ujjain and reveal the entire truth behind the case. In the video, Mandakini said her life is under threat and she could be killed on the way. She claimed some people fear that she knows several secrets which could create trouble for many if revealed. Mandakini also alleged that in the Akhada from which the president of the 13 Akhadas comes, several people have become Mahamandaleshwars despite being householders. Targeting Ravindra Puri Maharaj, she said, “You are like Duryodhan. You are getting my disrobing done. You insult women and violate their dignity.” Woman from Varanasi also made allegations The woman from Varanasi involved in the case claimed she was lured with ₹50,000 to participate in the conspiracy. She alleged that she was instructed to accuse the Mahamandaleshwar. The woman also said she has never seen Shanti Swaroopanand Maharaj in person and that there was a plan to kill her after the conspiracy was executed. Police said – arrest will happen soon Mahakal police station in-charge Gagan Badal said that on the day of Rang Panchami, a woman was detained and questioned in the Datt Akhada premises. Based on questioning and video footage, police found that Ghanshyam Patel, Sadhvi Mandakini and others were allegedly conspiring to frame the Mahamandaleshwar in a false case. Police have registered an FIR against both accused and are continuing their search. What Mandakini said in her video Responding to the allegations against her, Mandakini said in the video: “I am on a pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. Ravindra Puri Maharaj, the president of the 13 Akhadas, comes to Ujjain and submits an application saying Mandakini is guilty. Did you ever call me and ask whether I am guilty?” She alleged that a mentally unstable woman was hired to create a conspiracy against her. Mandakini said false complaints had been filed against her earlier as well with the help of saints in Ujjain. She claimed she never took money in the name of Pattabhishek and whatever money she received was given to the Akhada. “I will definitely reach Ujjain from Uttarakhand. I am now leaving from here and will fully cooperate with the police investigation,” she said. Mandakini further claimed that her life is under threat and she could be killed on the way because some people fear she knows many of their secrets. She also alleged that several people in the Akhada have become Mahamandaleshwars despite being householders. “You are dishonouring a woman. You are insulting a woman’s dignity. You are like Duryodhan who is getting my disrobing done,” she said in the video. ‘I have never seen Shanti Swaroopanand ji till today’ The woman from Varanasi said she was portrayed as mentally unstable and instructed about what she should say. She alleged that her interview was recorded in a hotel and an auto-rickshaw and she was told it would later be deleted. According to her, the conspirators planned to kill her after trapping the Swami and then blame the murder on him. “They knew I have no one to support me. I was offered ₹50,000,” she said. She also claimed she has never seen Mahamandaleshwar Shanti Swaroopanand in person and had only seen his photograph at the Chardham temple. She alleged that she was told to accuse the Swami, after which they planned to get her killed and blame the murder on him. She added that her flight ticket was being booked, but she eventually travelled by train.