To keep out ‘fake sadhus’, seers to be allowed entry in Kumbh area only with valid IDs

Haridwar: For next year's Ardh Kumbh, seers will be allowed entry only with identity cards issued by their respective akharas and ashrams to prevent ‘fake sadhus' from attending the religious gathering, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) president Swami Ravindra Puri said Thursday.Puri stressed that fake sadhus tarnish the community's image and hurt Hindu sentiments, and called for support from both the public and akharas. "Administration and police assistance may be sought to ensure compliance," Puri said, adding that seers may also be asked to show an Aadhaar card as proof of identity. He urged all akharas to issue ID cards to their members and affiliates.Shambhavi Peethadhishwar Swami Anand Swaroop urged akharas to first curb the creation of fake jagadgurus and mahamandaleshwars. He further urged the chatushpeeth committee of four Shankaracharyas to take responsibility for supervising Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh events.Mahaniwani Akhara secretary Swami Ravindra Puri, head of another faction of ABAP, told TOI from Ayodhya that identity cards are issued to all sadhus of an akhara during each Kumbh or Ardh Kumbh. SP city, Abhay Kumar Singh, said he had not yet seen Puri's statement but added, "If and when he comes with a proposal for police help, it would be considered."