Nirankari chief, 62, dies in Canada car accident

Sant Hardev Singh, the head of Sant Nirankari Mission, died in a car accident last morning while he was on his way from New York to Montreal. Three other persons, including his 2 sons-in-law Sandip Khinda and Chandigarh-based Avneet Setya, and New York-based Vivek Sharma, got injured although they are out of danger now.

A senior worker of the Mission said the incident happened at 5 am (IST), about 40 km from Montreal.

“We inform with great unhappiness that Nirankar Baba Hardev Singh Maharaj has merged with the Almighty,” stated the Mission’s publicity incharge Kripa Sagar. On conclusion of legal procedures in Canada, the Baba’s mortal remains would be flown to India, he stated.

Baba Hardev Singh was born on February 23, 1954, he succeeded his father Baba Gurbachan Singh as leader of the mission in 1980 following the latter’s assassination.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, tweeted: “The death is a great loss to the spiritual world. My thoughts are with his countless followers.”

Indian Congress President Sonia Gandhi said: “Spiritual values of equality and simplicity perpetuated by him and the Nirankari Samaj will forever remain relevant.”

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, said: “He was a not only a spiritual leader, but also a social reformer.”