9.5.21

9th seer dies of Covid-19 after Maha Kumbh Mela

A mahamandaleshwar of the Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, one of the largest and most prominent seer orders, died of Covid-19 on Thursday, the ninth saint to have fallen to the virus after attending the recently concluded Maha Kumbh at Haridwar.

Shri Mahant Vimal Giri had tested positive on April 19, according to a statement issued by the akhada said. “He was moved to a private hospital in Dehradun on Wednesday, where he breathed his last. He has been given ‘samadhi’ at Kangri ashram,” the statement added.

Vimal Giri was made mahamandaleshwar, a senior post, during the Maha Kumbh by the head of the Juna Akhada, Swami Avdheshanand Giri.

Eight seers who attended the Maha Kumbh that started on April 1 have died so far. More than 250 of them have been infected. Mahamandaleshwar Kapil Dev Das, 65, of the Nirwani Akhada, one of the 13 main akhadas, had died on April 15. Seven others passed away in quick succession after that.

Chief medical officer Dr SK Jha said that the health department was conducting regular tests at all the akhadas.

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