Baba Neem Karoli’s granddaughters allege illegal occupation of ancestral home by aunt’s trust

Firozabad: A dispute over the ancestral home of revered spiritual figure Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj has emerged in Uttar Pradesh, with six of his granddaughters alleging that the property is being illegally occupied and managed by a trust headed by their aunt.

The property is located in Akbarpur village under Tundla tehsil of Firozabad district, which is regarded as Neem Karoli Baba's birthplace. The controversy comes at a time when public interest in the saint's life has grown following the release and success of the biographical film Hanuman Ansh.

Six granddaughters approach Firozabad administration

The six women — Sunita Sharma, Archana Sharma, Vandana Sharma, Bhavna Rawat, Ritu Tiwari and Richa Rawat — are the daughters of Baba Neem Karoli's late son, Dharm Narayan Sharma.

They approached Firozabad District Magistrate Santosh Kumar Sharma, alleging that the ancestral residence and an associated worship site had come under the control of the trust without a valid transfer of ownership.

The family has sought an examination of revenue records and other property documents and demanded action if the administration finds illegal occupation or interference.

Three-member committee formed to investigate

Following the complaint, the Firozabad administration constituted a three-member committee to investigate the ownership and management of the property.

The committee is headed by Additional District Magistrate (Judicial) Arvind Kumar Dwivedi. Its other members are Tundla Sub-Divisional Magistrate Divya Singh and District Tourism Officer Vishal Srivastava.

The disputed property reportedly includes house number 154 and adjoining structures. The site contains areas associated with Neem Karoli Baba, including his meditation room, bedroom, dining area and guest quarters. The Uttar Pradesh government is also developing the location as a tourist destination.

What the trust says

The trust has strongly denied the allegations of illegal occupation.

According to the trust's representatives, Baba Neem Karoli's house, temple and dak bungalow were legally transferred to the trust. They have maintained that the institution was established in 1996 by Baba's wife, Rambeti, and that the property is being managed for religious and service-related activities rather than for private benefit.

The trust is currently headed by Baba Neem Karoli's daughter Girija Devi Bhatele.

Another family member, Dhananjay Sharma, has also disputed the granddaughters' allegations, saying the property was handed over to the trust in accordance with Baba Neem Karoli's wishes and urging the family to resolve the matter amicably.

How did the dispute begin?

According to reports, tensions escalated following a family gathering on August 24, when the six granddaughters were allegedly denied accommodation in rooms at the ancestral property.

The incident prompted them to approach the district administration and seek clarification over the property's ownership and the trust's authority over it. Documents relating to the property have reportedly been submitted to the inquiry committee.

Why the property is significant

The Akbarpur property is closely associated with Neem Karoli Baba's early life and is regarded as his ancestral home and birthplace.

The dispute has attracted additional attention because the Uttar Pradesh government is working to develop the site for visitors and devotees. Meanwhile, the recent popularity of Hanuman Ansh, a biographical film based on the saint's life, has brought renewed national attention to his legacy and origins.

For now, no final determination has been made that the trust is illegally occupying the property. The allegation remains a matter under administrative investigation, while the trust maintains that it has lawful rights over the house and related religious properties.

The committee's examination of revenue records and other documents is expected to clarify the ownership and management status of the ancestral property.