‘Bandariya Baba’ on tree keeps Bahraich cops on toes

FAIZABAD: A man in his late sixties has become a big draw in Bahraich for his simian-like ability to not just climb any tree, but to do the balancing act on precarious branches and leaves even while asleep.
Dressed as a seer, the man who has deservedly earned the sobriquet ‘Bandariya Baba’ says he is an ardent devotee of Hanuman and has the his special blessings, which allow him to pull off his almost superhuman stunts.
Believed to be a native of Pilibhit district, the elderly man had hogged headlines four months ago when his curious debut in Bahraich allegedly triggered “law and order problem”, prompting police to drive him away.
But, Bandariya Baba is back. And, arguably with a bang. “The gypsy is living on trees in Sabzi Mandi area of Sujauli (in Bahraich). Crowds are gathering in thousands to watch his antics,” said a policeman.
Bahraich police PRO Jitendra Kumar Singh told TOI that they had made heavy deployment in the area to maintain law and order. “People are coming in droves to see him. You never know what may happen. We cannot take chances,” Singh added.
He may have an arboreal ape-like lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean Bandariya Baba ignores the gift of technology. When TOI contacted him over phone, Baba said: “I have special blessings of Lord Hanuman. He gives me the power to climb trees. I stay on trees, and perform puja and havan. I also sleep there.”