Minister Nandi wrote letter to MP CM demanding fair investigation and action against culprits
Recently, during his stay in Lalitpur district, enlightened members of Jain community had submitted a memo to Minister Nandi
Walking of Jain monks integral part of their renunciation tradition
Jain monks and sadhvis flag bearers of rich spiritual tradition: Nandi
Prayagraj: Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi has written to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, condemning the accident that occurred in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh involving a revered Jain saint, Aryika Mataji. Minister Nandi has also written to take cognizance of the incident, investigate all aspects, and ensure strict action against the culprits.
In a letter to the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Minister Nandi stated that during his recent visit to Lalitpur district, prominent members of the Jain community associated with the Shri Devgarh Managing Digambar Jain Committee Lalitpur and the Shri Digambar Jain Samaj Panchayat Committee Lalitpur met with him and submitted a memorandum. It stated that on the morning of May 20th, in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj’s disciples, Pujya Aryika Shrutmati Mataji and Pujya Aryika Upashmati Mataji, were walking when they were struck from behind by a speeding vehicle, resulting in their immediate death. The memorandum requested a thorough and impartial investigation into the entire incident. They also demanded an SIT or judicial inquiry, the preservation of CCTV, video, and other digital evidence, strict action against the perpetrators, and the implementation of saint safety protocols.
Minister Nandi stated that the Jain monks’ pilgrimage on foot is an integral part of their renunciation tradition. Wandering monks do not use any form of security, vehicles, or material comforts, remaining completely nonviolent and unarmed, and imparting a message of restraint, morality, and peace to society. Consequently, the violent incident that occurred with them is a serious issue, not just for a particular community, but also for the protection of the nation’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The lack of adequate security during the pilgrimage and the potential for unwanted incidents is a serious issue. This accident has underscored the need to address such concerns.
He said that Jain monks and nuns are the flag-bearers of a rich spiritual tradition that has always held the principle of “Ahimsa Paramo Dharma” (non-violence is the supreme religion). They have completely prohibited the expression of bitterness in any form, whether in thought, word, or deed. Such an incident involving a non-violent, peace-loving, and religiously inclined woman is extremely worrying. Taking cognizance of the matter described in the memorandum, a letter has been written requesting an investigation into all aspects of the incident and strict action against the culprits.
