Why 150-member police team visited Sadhguru's Isha Foundation in Coimbatore
A 150-member police team, including one assistant deputy superintendent rank officer and three DSPs, visited Sadhguru's Isha Foundation at Thondamuthur on Wednesday. The visit was prompted by a directive from the Madras High Court, which has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on all criminal cases registered against spiritual guru Jaggi Vasudev's institution. The court has set October 4 as the deadline for submission of this comprehensive status report.
Habeas corpus petition triggers court order
The high court's order was issued during the hearing of a habeas corpus petition filed by S Kamaraj, a retired professor from Coimbatore. Kamaraj alleged that his two daughters had been brainwashed to live at the Isha Yoga Centre and were being prevented from maintaining contact with their family. However, the foundation said that both women were residing at the yoga center voluntarily.
Isha Foundation refutes allegations
Denied Kamaraj's allegations, the foundation said it does not encourage people to become monks and respects individual freedom to choose one's path. "They have clearly stated that they are staying in Isha Yoga Center on their own volition. Now that the matter is seized by the court, we hope that truth will prevail and there is an end to all unnecessary controversies," it said in a statement.
Foundation addresses trespassing incident and pending cases
The foundation also addressed an incident where Kamaraj allegedly trespassed on their premises under the false pretext of investigating a crematorium being constructed by them. They clarified that a court had already stayed the submission of a final police report on this matter. The petitioner's counsel highlighted several criminal cases pending against the foundation, including one where a doctor associated with Isha Yoga Centre was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
