Nirmal Baba not allowed in Allahabad's 'Maha Kumbh'

Controversial self proclaimed godman Nirmal Baba would not be allowed to take part i next year’s Maha Kumbh at Allahabad.

The decision to this effect was taken by an apex body of the priests -- Akhil Bhartiya Teerth Purohit Mahasabha at its two-day meeting that began at Allahabad on Saturday.

About 300 priests drawn form India’s major 84 pilgrimage centres had taken part in the meeting, which also decided to hold demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to press for making the Ganga and Yamuna rivers free pollution free.

“It was decided that Nirmal Baba and Asaram Bapu will not be allowed to pitch their tents in Maha Kumbh. Such fake godmen have tarnished the image of hinduism. Their presence will send a wrong message to the devotees and pilgrims who flock the bank of the Sangam for a holy dip during the Maha Kumbh,” the priests said.

Several cases have been registered against Nirmal Baba charging him with fraud and for duping his disciples in different parts of the country. Only recently a district court here had ordered registration of an FIR against him.

Nirmal Baba has been accused of duping the innocent people by invoking in them the fear of god. It is also alleged that he had accumulated huge wealth through accepting donations from his disciples.