Mauni Maharaj, a seer from the Sri Paramhans Ashram in Amethi, was placed under house arrest on Tuesday along with his followers when he tried to leave for Ayodhya to take part in the VHP yatra, which has been banned by the UP government.
Sources in the ashram said that Mauni Maharaj has started a fast unto death in protest against the denial of permission to proceed to Ayodhya.
ASP P. Munna Lal told reporters that Peethashwar Mauni Maharaj, along with 35 to 40 sadhus and about 500 supporters were placed under house arrest in the Gauriganj Ashram on Tuesday morning.