Junior priest at Junagadh ashram missing, three page suicide note found

Tension gripped Junagadh on Sunday morning after Mahadev Bharti Bapu, the junior mahant (priest) of the Shree Bharti Ashram, went missing from the ashram. A three-page suicide note was recovered from his residence, triggering a police investigation.

According to police sources, Mahadev Bharti left the ashram early in the morning without informing anyone. When he could not be found, the ashram management searched his quarters and discovered the note, following which the Bhavnath Police Station was informed.

Considering the sensitivity of the case, Bhavnath Police and Junagadh Police have formed special teams to trace the missing mahant. Officers are questioning the ashram’s staff and those close to him.

Initial findings suggest the note refers to personal distress, though the police have not disclosed details about any names or specific reasons mentioned.

Police officials confirmed that the suicide note has been seized and verified, adding that search operations are underway to locate Mahadev Bharti at the earliest.