Mystery shrouds the death of controversial spiritual guru Kaleshwar Baba of Shirdi Sai Ashram of Penukonda, who breathed his last on Thursday while undergoing treatment at Colombia hospital in Bengaluru.
Kaleshwar Baba’s death allegedly to due to kidney failure is reminiscent of another spiritual guru Satya Sai Baba, who suspiciously died oneand- half-years ago. There were many allegations against the Kaleshwar Baba. He was accused of plundering treasure troves in the forts of Vijayanagara rulers’ second capital Penukonda.
People assume that Kaleshwar became rich overnight after he found booty in the fort. Kaleshwar, who came to Anantapur district to pursue undergraduate course at the age of 20, used to tie talismans to people to cure ailment. He shifted his residence to Gaganmahal, a fort on a hillock in Penukonda, after he proclaimed that he acquired occult powers.
At this time, he allegedly ruined forts on the hillock and found treasure with metal scanners. Later, he befriended Bhaskar Reddy, an advocate of Kadapa, an employee of sericulture department Nagi Reddy and Chandramouli Reddy of Chittoor district. The trio are said to have played a key role in the administration of Shirdi Sai Global Trust, which was founded by Kaleshwar. Speculations are rife about Kaleshwar’s death as reports are being aired that Ashramites hid him in a closet until he died like Satya Sai Baba. Adding fuel to the speculations, Kaleshwar’s sister- in-law Manjula Vani claimed that Kaleshwar told her that Ashramites detained him and curbed his financial powers. Besides, the three key Ashramites hatched a plot to eliminate him. She alleged that a gunman shot a bullet in his thigh few months ago and the latter went to Kerala and abroad for treatment.
Meanwhile, another speculation is rife about his death that Goddess killed him as he neglected to offer prayers to her. He constructed a temple in the Ashram and installed Sri Chakram to cover a sub terrestrial cavity with white cloth, which is believed that Kaleshwar got treasure from this cavity, and permission was denied to all to enter the temple. But Kaleshwar and a few foreigners used to enter the temple. However, Minister for Revenue N Raghuveera Reddy, who maintained proximity with Kaleshwar’s family, has entered the temple after holding discussions with his wife and family members. Later, Raghuveera Reddy announced that his last rites would be performed inside the temple. Alleging Ashramites involvement in Kaleshwar’s death, Director of Kaleshwar Rural Development Trust, Madyamadugu Kistappa lodged a complaint with Penukonda police seeking investigation to unravel the mystery of Kaleshwar’s death. He alleged that Ashramites including Nagi Reddy, Chandramouli Reddy and Chitti Babu killed Kaleshwar for the treasure.
