New Delhi: Pintu Mahara, a boatman at Maha Kumbh who was lauded by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for earning Rs 30 crore ferrying people on his fleet during the 45-day mela, is actually a history-sheeter and has served jailtime, ThePrint has learnt.
According to the Naini police, Mahara, is an accused in a double murder case and also has cases lodged against him under charges of attempt to murder, extortion, among others.
“Pintu Mahara is a history-sheeter. He has been to jail several times and is currently out on bail,” a senior police officer told ThePrint.
The officer added that Mahara faced nearly a dozen cases, including those of heinous crimes, not just in Naini but also in nearby areas. One case was registered as recently as 11 February, when some people approached the police accusing Mahara of extortion.
According to the police, the double murder case is from 2009 and the two victims were allegedly stopped and shot by the attackers. Mahara, his brother Arvind and two other men had been arrested in the case.
Mahara was also arrested in another murder case of 2017, which is believed to be connected with the 2009 case, the police said.
“His father also faced cases and died in jail. His elder brother is also a history-sheeter in Naini. His other brother was killed a couple of years ago,” the police officer added.
ThePrint reached Mahara via calls and messages, and a response is awaited.
The Mahara family had supplied boats in the 2019 Maha Kumbh. In this year’s mela, they supplied 130 boats for transporting the devotees.
Mahara was celebrated as a success by Adityanath in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.
“Pintu Mahara, a boatman from the Arail area of Prayagraj, earned Rs 30 crore in 45 days. Pintu’s life took a dramatic turn with one bold decision. Anticipating a massive influx of devotees, he expanded his fleet from 60 to 130 boats ahead of the Maha Kumbh. This strategic move proved highly rewarding, ensuring substantial earnings and securing his family’s future for generations,” a government statement said Wednesday.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
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No wonder criminals are celebrated and cheered for in the UP Legislative Assembly by the Chief Minister himself.
This has always been the case with UP, Bihar and Haryana. Criminals are held up as examples and heroes for the society – leading to the production of more criminals from the younger generations.