A large number of police forces were deployed at many places including the Dera Jagmalwali complex in Haryana's Sirsa district on Thursday. After the death of Dera Jagmalwali chief Bahadur Chand Vakil last week, the ritual of Bhog was held in the Dera premises today.

After the death of Vakil, in view of the possibility of breach of peace due to succession dispute in Dera Jagmalwali (Mastana Shah Balochistani Ashram), the state government on Wednesday suspended mobile internet services in Sirsa till midnight on Thursday.

Vakil died after prolonged illness

Vakil died in a private hospital on August 1 after a prolonged illness, after which a tug of war started between two factions led by Virendra Singh and Gurpreet Singh for control of the Dera. The followers of the Dera are in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Heavy security force deployed
Sirsa Additional Superintendent of Police Deepti Garg said that a total of 16 companies of security personnel including Haryana Armed Police and Rapid Action Force have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident. She said that police personnel have also been deployed from other districts.

INLD leader Abhay Chautala also arrived

'Antim Ardaas' was performed for Vakil at the Dera premises and a large number of his followers reached there. INLD leader Abhay Chautala participated in it. He said, 'Vakil sahab was our family member, not only we but lakhs of people had a heart-to-heart relationship with him. The service he has given to the society will never be forgotten. His contribution to society and humanity will remain unforgettable. May God give peace to his soul.'

Controversy over Dera's throne

After Vakil's death, Dera follower and Sufi singer Birendra Singh claimed that according to Vakil's will, he has been named the next Dera chief. However, the other faction rejected his claim and also questioned the death of Vakil and accused Birendra of plotting to kill the Dera chief.

Dera follower Jasdev Bishnoi claimed on Thursday that Birendra, who lived with the Dera chief, never told the followers what disease Vakil was suffering from. He demanded a CBI inquiry into Vakil's death.

Vakil was born on 10 December 1944 in Chautala village. He completed his early education at his native place and later studied at Dayanand College in Hisar. He joined Dera Jagmalwali in 1968 and was appointed its chief in August 1998.