No entry for Jyoti Giri, say Bhora Kalan villagers

The six-year-old dispute over self-styled godman Jyoti Giri Maharaj resurfaced in Bhora Kalan village after his supporters announced he would attend a community feast (bhandara).

In a mahapanchayat held at the Government Senior Secondary School campus, villagers unanimously decided not to allow Jyoti Giri to enter the village. The godman, facing serious allegations of sexual abuse, did not turn up. For precautionary measures, police forces were deployed.

Sarpanch Manveer Singh Chauhan said, “At the mahapanchayat, everyone unanimously decided that Jyoti Giri would not be allowed to enter the village. Several other decisions were also made. We have submitted a memorandum to the Police Commissioner demanding legal action against him and steps to maintain peace in the village.”

Jyoti Giri had settled at Bhora Kalan’s Hanuman temple in 2000, setting up a hospital and cowshed. For years, his bhandaras drew saints, sages and politicians. But in 2019, after obscene videos surfaced online and an FIR was filed, he fled the village. Villagers allege the investigation has not been completed to date.

In January this year, Jyoti Giri released a video calling his disappearance an “incognito” phase and announced a feast at his ashram on September 22, the first day of Sharadiya Navratri. The video enraged villagers, leading to Sunday’s stand.

ACP Pataudi Sukhbir Singh confirmed, “Jyoti Giri had requested permission from the SDM to hold a community feast at a religious site in Bhora Kalan, but the SDM has not granted any permission. Police are monitoring the village. The situation is currently under control, and villagers are urged to maintain peace.”

Some villagers alleged Jyoti Giri is accused of sexually abusing women and raping minors in Bhora Kalan, Rohtak, and Khanna (Punjab), where he was expelled. “After the video surfaced and Jyoti Giri absconded, a complaint was sent to the National Commission for Women, the Haryana Women’s Commission, and various authorities. A victim also came forward. However, the case was shelved,” claimed a villager, blaming his political connections for shielding him.