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150 Policemen Raid Isha Foundation Ashram in Coimbatore After Madras HC Order
In compliance with a directive from the Madras High Court, a team of 150 policemen conducted a raid at the Isha Foundation’s ashram in Thondamuthur, Coimbatore, on October 1.
The raid, led by an Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Police and supported by three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), aimed to investigate allegations made against the ashram.
Court-Ordered Raid on Isha Foundation
The search operation followed a Madras High Court order instructing the Coimbatore police to gather all details of cases registered against the Isha Foundation and present them before the court. The police action comes in the wake of concerns raised over the ashram’s operations and allegations of brainwashing and wrongful confinement.
Focus of the Raid: Verification and Inquiry
According to sources, the police team conducted a thorough verification of the residents and a search of the rooms at the ashram. While the Isha Yoga Center downplayed the raid, stating that it was a routine inquiry, a senior police officer confirmed that the search was intended to verify the identities and conditions of the inmates.
“As per the court order, the police, including the SP, have come to the Isha Yoga Center for a general inquiry. They are inquiring with residents and volunteers, understanding the lifestyle, and learning how they come in and stay, etc.,” the Isha Yoga Center stated.
Allegations Against Isha Foundation
The raid was prompted by a complaint filed by S. Kamaraj, a retired professor from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Kamaraj claimed that his two daughters, who were well-educated, had been “brainwashed” into living permanently at the Isha Yoga Centre. His appeal to the court questioned the influence of spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev, popularly known as Sadhguru, and raised concerns about the lifestyle being promoted at the ashram.
Madras HC Seeks Clarity on Isha Foundation’s Operations
During a recent hearing, the Madras High Court bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and V Sivagnanam raised questions about the foundation’s practices, asking why young women were being encouraged to live like hermits. The court directed the police to investigate and ensure that no unlawful activities were taking place at the ashram.
The Isha Foundation, which has faced similar controversies in the past, reiterated that its operations are transparent and that it adheres to legal and ethical standards. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will determine the next course of action for the foundation as it addresses the court’s concerns and the allegations made by Kamaraj.
