An ashram associated with spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan has come under scrutiny after the family of an 18-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district alleged that they were unable to get clear information about their son for nearly three months.
Anuj Chaudhary, a resident of Sadabad, reportedly travelled to Vrindavan around three months ago seeking spiritual initiation. According to his family, he did not return home, prompting them to search for him.
The family’s allegations have surfaced amid an ongoing investigation into the death of Rasik Dulari Sharan, also known as Deepak Lodhi, a disciple associated with Premanand Maharaj. The circumstances surrounding Sharan’s death have also raised questions about the functioning of the ashram and communication with its residents.
The allegations made by Anuj’s family have not been independently verified. A response from the ashram management is awaited.
Father Says Family Could Not Meet Son
Speaking to News18, Anuj’s father, Rajveer Chaudhary, said the family repeatedly travelled to the ashram while searching for their son.
He alleged that they were unable to obtain clear information about Anuj or meet him despite their attempts.
“My son is my only child. We have been searching for him for three months. I am desperate to see him,” Rajveer said.
He also alleged that the family spent time near the ashram and on the roadside while trying to find information about their son.
Family Claims Ashram Confirmed Anuj Was There
According to the family, the ashram management later acknowledged that Anuj was present there.
The family claims this happened after the death of Rasik Dulari Sharan brought increased attention to the ashram. They said they were told that Anuj would be handed over to them after the necessary information was collected.
It remains unclear why Anuj stayed at the ashram for the reported period, what arrangements were made regarding contact with his family, and why his relatives allegedly could not meet him.
Investigation Into Disciple’s Death Continues
The allegations have emerged as police investigate the death of Rasik Dulari Sharan, who was associated with Premanand Maharaj and had been staying at Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan.
According to police, Sharan died after allegedly jumping from the fourth-floor terrace of Guru Kripa Kunj Ashram on Friday morning.
CCTV footage reportedly showed Sharan leaving his room at around 10:25 am before moving towards the terrace. Investigators said he remained there for some time before jumping at around 10:36 am.
He suffered severe injuries and was taken to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police are treating the death as suicide while investigating the circumstances leading up to it.
A grinder was reportedly recovered from his room. Police have also confirmed that an injury to his private part was found, although the circumstances behind the injury remain unclear.
Vrindavan Circle Officer Sandeep Kumar Singh said the cause and context of the injury would be established through the investigation.
Police have seized CCTV equipment and sent Sharan’s blood sample and mobile phone for forensic examination. Investigators are also attempting to recover deleted chats, photographs, videos and other data from the phone.
According to police, the post-mortem report found excessive bleeding as the cause of death.
Families Raise Questions Over Access to Residents
The case has also brought attention to earlier concerns reportedly raised by Sharan’s family. His relatives had allegedly faced difficulties meeting him and, on some occasions, waited outside the ashram for several days without being able to see him.
The two cases have raised questions about the procedures followed by religious institutions when families seek information about people staying at their premises.
However, the allegations made by Anuj’s family do not by themselves establish wrongdoing by the ashram. The management’s response and any findings by authorities will be important in establishing what happened.
Anuj’s family is seeking clarity about his stay in Vrindavan and why, according to their account, they were unable to obtain information about him for nearly three months.
