The Tamil Nadu police have submitted a report to the Supreme Court stating there is no evidence supporting claims of illegal confinement at the Isha Foundation’s ashram, founded by spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. This investigation was initiated following a September 30 order from the Madras High Court, which called for an inquiry into allegations that two women, aged 38 and 42, were being held against their will at the ashram in Coimbatore.
The inquiry was prompted by a habeas corpus petition from a retired professor who claimed his daughters, known as Maa Mathi and Maa Maayu, were coerced into joining the ashram’s monastic path and prevented from leaving. Following these accusations, a police team of 150 officers conducted a probe at the ashram on October 1.
On October 3, the Supreme Court halted the state police’s investigation and took over the case. The police report, prepared by the Superintendent of Police in Coimbatore, indicated that both women denied their father’s allegations, asserting they were living at the ashram willingly. The report noted that they are highly educated and in good physical and mental health, confirming they chose the monastic path voluntarily and maintained regular contact with their parents.
The report also included CCTV footage of the women meeting their parents, alongside handwritten submissions from them. It stated that the women’s relationship with their father deteriorated following his public accusations, which they deemed untrue. Out of 217 monks at the ashram, 30 were interviewed, all affirming they resided there by choice.
Concerns were raised regarding six missing person cases related to the Isha Foundation over the past 15 years, with five cases closed and one still under investigation. The police report also mentioned complaints about expired medicines in the on-site hospital, allegations of sexual assault, and land encroachment.
The Supreme Court’s involvement followed the Isha Foundation’s challenge to the Madras High Court’s investigation order, which they argued was unfounded. During the court’s proceedings, the women reiterated their voluntary stay at the ashram, denying any coercion. The court observed that the high court had not sufficiently justified the need for such an investigation.
As the case unfolds, concerns regarding the foundation’s practices and oversight mechanisms, including its Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act, remain under scrutiny.
Sources By Agencies
