Former Madhya Pradesh ministers, Bollywood stars were among thousands who gathered at Katni to attend the funeral of Dev Prabhakar Shastri, popularly called ‘Daddaji’, on Monday.
The noted spiritual leader died on Sunday at ‘Daddadham’ in Katni in Madhya Pradesh from lung and kidney ailments.
Thousands gathered, in violation of social distancing norms, on the same day when Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced fresh guidelines for implementation of lockdown 4.0. As per the new guidelines, not more than 20 people are allowed to participate in a funeral procession.
This, however, was not the case as hundreds attended the funeral of spiritual leader on Monday. ‘Daddaji’ was cremated with full state honours at the ‘Daddadham’ in Katni founded by the spiritual leader.
Among those who participated in the funeral procession were sitting MLAs and former ministers of the ruling BJP.
While former ministers Ajay Bishnoi and Sanjay Pathak tyook part in the funeral procession, former BJP MLA and minister Archa Chitnis and Bollywood actors Ashutosh Rana and Rajpal Yadav were also seen.
From the Congress, sitting MLA Lakhan Ghangoria was seen at the spiritual leader’s funeral.
District collector Shashi Bhushan refused to speak on the issue on Monday and did not take calls on Tuesday.
Depsite several attempts, no one from the government has so far responded to violation of social distancing during cremation.
Congress state working president and former minister Jeetu Patwari, meanwhile, said, “People can put their faith and devotion in Daddaji, we too have the same, but the need of the hour is to follow the restrictions imposed as part of the lockdown.”
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