Spiritual leader Bhaiyyuji Maharaj shot himself dead !

In a shocking incident, popular spiritual leader Bhaiyyuji Maharaj allegedly shot himself in the forehead at his residence in Indore. He was admitted to Bombay hospital in the city where he succumbed to his injuries, police and hospital authorities said. Bhaiyyuji Maharaj, whose original name is Uday Singh Deshmukh, shot himself here, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Indore H C Mishra said. He was rushed to the Bombay Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, its General Manager Rahul Parashar said. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan paid homage to Bhaiyyu Maharaj.

The self-styled guru was known for his links with influential politicians and businessmen. He reportedly counted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar among his followers.

Bhaiyyu Maharaj acted as a mediator during the 2011 anti-corruption campaign led by Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal.

Bhaiyyu Maharaj was popular in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Scores of his supporters crowded outside the hospital waiting for news on his condition.

Bhaiyyu Maharaj, who had an ashram in Indore, was among the five religious leaders given the status of minister by the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh.