Patna: Kishore Kunal, a distinguished former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and noted philanthropist, passed away this morning in Patna following a cardiac arrest. He was 74. Kunal, born on 10 August 1950, had a profound impact on both law enforcement and social service sectors in Bihar.
After joining the IPS in 1972, Kunal served with distinction, notably as the Officer on Special Duty (Ayodhya), appointed by then Prime Minister V. P. Singh, to mediate in the Ayodhya dispute. He continued in this role under Prime Ministers Chandra Shekhar and P. V. Narasimha Rao.
Following his voluntary retirement in 2001, Kunal dedicated himself to religious and philanthropic endeavors. As the Secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust in Patna, he was instrumental in establishing several healthcare institutions, including the Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital, providing critical services to the underprivileged.
Kunal’s commitment to social equality was evident through his tenure as the Chairman of the Bihar State Religious Trusts Board, where he appointed individuals from marginalized communities to temple management committees, promoting inclusivity within religious institutions.
In recognition of his contributions to community and social services, Kunal received the Bhagwan Mahaveer Award in 2008, presented by the President of India, Pratibha Patil.
His literary work includes the 2016 publication “Ayodhya Revisited,” an 800-page book analyzing historical documents related to the Babri Masjid and Ram Temple, reflecting his deep engagement with historical and cultural discourses.
Union MSME Minister and former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed his condolences, stating: “I am shocked by the news of the demise of Acharya Kishore Kunal ji… The unprecedented contribution he made to social service after retiring from IPS service will always be remembered.”
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary also conveyed his grief, noting, “Kishore Kunal ji’s life was dedicated to social service, religious and cultural upliftment… It is difficult to express his contribution in words.”
Dr. Dilip Jaiswal, Bharatiya Janata Party’s state president and Bihar’s Revenue and Land Reforms Minister, remarked, “Under his leadership, Mahavir Mandir was not just a religious place but became a major center of social and educational work.”
Kishore Kunal’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Bihar’s social and cultural history, leaving behind a legacy of service, inclusivity, and dedication to societal upliftment.
