New Delhi: Concerns have been raised over the security of popular Vrindavan spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj, with Z+ cover sought for him. Dinesh Sharma, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking increased protection for Premanand, claiming that a factional feud within the Keli Kunj ashram could put his life at risk.
“Today we have written a letter to CM Yogi stating that Premanand Maharaj’s life could be in danger, so his security should be provided,” Sharma told News24 on Sunday. He has also asked for an inquiry into activities around the ashram and police verification of its sevadars.
Sharma has alleged that two groups have formed around the ashram, one comprising genuine sevadars and the other people posing as sadhus who are involved in “land grabbing” and “crimes against children”. He claimed the former was staying with Premanand on the banks of the Yamuna, while the latter had taken control of several ashrams associated with the spiritual leader and could pose a threat to him.
“This mafia group sends its people into crowds and gets them to indulge in hooliganism. Saints are being killed and children are going missing,” Sharma said, according to reports.
The allegations come close on the heels of a series of incidents involving Premanand’s disciples. Last month, 25-year-old disciple Deepak Lodhi died after falling from a building near Keli Kunj, while a 17-year-old disciple who had been missing since July was recently traced to an ashram in Barsana.
Also Read: What sets Premanand Maharaj apart—‘doesn’t sell miracles’, a celebrity favourite
A suicide and a ‘missing’ case
Over the past few months, two incidents involving Premanand Maharaj’s disciples have put the spotlight on his ashram and circle of followers.
On 25 September, 25-year-old Deepak Lodhi, also known as Rasik Dulari Sharan, died after jumping from the fourth floor of Gau Kripa Kunj, a building near Varah Ghat where Premanand’s disciples reside. CCTV footage shows Lodhi lying down on the rooftop for around 11 seconds before getting up and jumping. Police have said their initial inquiry did not point to foul play, but the circumstances leading up to his death are under investigation.
What has complicated the case is that the post-mortem found that Lodhi’s genitals had been severed prior to his death. Police recovered a grinder from his room and sent it for forensic examination, including fingerprint analysis. Police are still trying to establish how the injury occurred and if anyone else was involved. The post-mortem also reportedly found injuries to his head, ribs and leg.
Meanwhile on 3 October, 17-year-old Anuj Chaudhary, another disciple of Premanand, was found at an ashram in Barsana after being missing since July. His family had earlier protested outside Keli Kunj, alleging that the ashram had failed to give them adequate information about his whereabouts and had not provided CCTV footage. Police eventually traced Anuj after a public tip-off.