Anna Hazare on Bhaiyyu Maharaj: Maharaj's death is huge loss to society, nation

Madhya Pradesh-based Bhaiyyu Maharaj committed suicide on Tuesday. File Pic

"I could not digest it. It comes as a real shock to know that someone like him, who inspired many lives, committed suicide," social activist Anna Hazare told mid-day, reacting to the death of Bhaiyyu Maharaj, 50, a Madhya Pradesh-based spiritual guru. Maharaj had good ties with Hazare; he'd mediated when Hazare was fasting in New Delhi five years ago and persuaded him to end the protest.

Maharaj allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday by shooting himself at his residence. The police are probing whether he has left behind a suicide note. "His death is a major setback for the society. The way he used to handle issues was incredible. His dynamic leadership and peaceful manner of speaking brought a ray of hope in minds of many people," said Hazare. He added, "He did a lot of social work and engaged youngsters in his initiatives to make a difference in society. On various occasions, he would come to meet me at my home. He had lots of plans for the upliftment of poor people, especially those below the poverty line."

"I was also a part of various programs he did in Indore. He would never discriminate among those who came to meet him. He never claimed to be a guru, and chose to identify as a guide instead. This is not only a huge loss for his family, but also to the society and the nation," said Hazare.