Baba comforted him and advised him not to worry, but to surrender to the police and accept the consequences of his deed without fear.
"My nazar will be on you," Baba assured him.
Beli obeyed and surrendered to the police on 31 January 1946. He was convicted for murder and sent to Yeravda Prison for life.
From prison, Beli wrote to Baba and, in one reply, Baba told him, "I love saints as much as I love sinners. I love you. It is never too late or too much to love God. Think as much as you can about Baba and as little as possible about your self."
Time and again Beli wrote that he was longing for darshan. He asked for Baba's books, and read them. A few days before Baba was to pass through Poona in 1954, letters from Beli came pouring in requesting darshan. Baba agreed, provided that the authorities allow the prisoner to have darshan. Through Adi Sr., it was arranged.
Baba arrived at Yeravda at about 9:00 A.M. Lovers from Poona, Barsi, Ahmednagar and Gujarat were also present. Baba was met first by the prison officials, who received him with utmost respect and reverence. A reception was arranged, and the superintendent of the prison was highly gratified at having Baba's darshan.
Then Beli was allowed an exclusive interview.
"Why are you so impatient?"
Baba asked him.
"Here you have been given the best chance to remember me. Do as the jail officials say, and if you carry out my orders, I will be happy with you."
Hearing this, the officials (who were present during the interview) were very thankful to Baba, as Beli had been a troublesome prisoner.
Beli was overjoyed with love and devotion, and with folded hands said, "This is the most joyous day of my life." Baba gave him a few more words of advice, embraced him and their photograph was taken. On parting, Beli got another embrace from Baba, who left the prison at eleven o'clock.
In Satara, Baba again resided at the Grafton bungalow with the women, but he would visit the men mandali at the Rosewood bungalow twice a day.
On Wednesday, 6 October 1954, Baba instructed the mandali: "I and you all will keep awake until midnight tomorrow. From 1:00 P.M. to midnight, everyone should fast on only water, and at 9 P.M., take only coffee. All should gather in Rosewood tomorrow at 6:00 A.M., after ablutions and a bath."