The mahant of an ashram and his two disciples died of asphyxiation when they entered into a septic tank for inspection of cleaning work being carried out by a contractor in Goverdhan town here today.
Police said the incident took place this afternoon when the three-day cleaning drive came to an end and the ashram authorities were inspecting the work.
"The bodies have been taken out after breaking the tank and sent for post-mortem," Superintendent of Police (City) Shailesh Pandey said.
To "ensure" that the work was done to full satisfaction, the mahant, Tulsidas, asked his 35-year-old disciple Ravi to enter into the tank. When he neither came out nor responded, the 50-year-old mahant entered into the tank.
When he too did not come out then his another disciple, Kala Chand, entered into the tank. When he too did not come out, police were informed.
Policemen from Goverdhan police station rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies, the police officer said.
