The sant, popularly known as Bittu Baba, had expressed his desire to liberate himself from the bondages of the human body, a day before committing self-immolation, the followers said.

He set himself on fire in the wee hours while his disciples were fast asleep in the ashram in village Chandpur. He had already burnt his personal belongings, including photographs, video cassettes and audio-tapes, and left nothing behind, they said. By the time the disciples reached the scene, the body had already been reduced to ashes.

As soon as the news spread, people from the surrounding villages started pouring in at Chandpur.