K Shabas Haris
Serious allegations of sexual misconduct and exploitation have been raised against Kerala-based spiritual healer “Yogi Guruji” (real name Basil), following a meditation retreat conducted earlier this month in Wayanad. The matter came to public attention on August 18, when two young women who had served as coordinators of the camp shared their experiences through the social media platform of Vanaja Collective, a Kerala-based NGO.
According to the video statement, the retreat was organized under the title “Meditation Retreat Camp” on August 9 and 10 at a private resort in Panamaram, Wayanad district. The camp was hosted by Dr. Arsha Nath P., with Guruji scheduled to lead sessions. The two young women said they were recruited as coordinators with promises of payment and were asked to reach the venue on August 8 for preparations.
However, on arrival, Guruji was reportedly absent. The coordinators alleged that when they sought clarity about accommodation, they were told to share rooms with male guests of the camp. They further alleged that Guruji’s instructions required them to accompany guests “wherever they asked” and that some guests behaved inappropriately. One young woman reportedly went missing for a period of time during the event, raising further concern.
Complications also arose between the camp organizers and the resort management over food and facilities. On the morning of August 10, after Guruji arrived, a conflict broke out, during which the resort owner allegedly assaulted him. Police were called to the spot, and the resort owners were later arrested on grounds of legal irregularities. Their electronic devices were also seized.
While Guruji claimed he attempted to resolve the matter by refunding money to guests, the two coordinators say the deeper issue of sexual exploitation was ignored. “They were told to be with the guests and do whatever guests asked. One of them was misbehaved with. This is nothing short of sex trafficking,” a representative of Vanaja Collective said.
The women stated that when they approached Panamaram Police Station on August 17, they faced difficulties in registering a proper complaint. They alleged that the FIR filed was inadequate and that their statements about sexual assault were not fully incorporated. Police officials, however, maintained that only the charges of “humiliating women” could be taken forward based on the available testimony.
Guruji, in his response, dismissed the allegations as a “conspiracy” that arose after the conflict with the resort owners. “All our activities are recorded and shared openly on social media. We have never promoted anything illegal. If some individuals used drugs or engaged in misconduct secretly, it is not our responsibility,” he said.
Despite his denial, activists point out that the young women who came forward face intimidation and fear because of Guruji’s influence. “The police acted swiftly against the resort owners but did not take the women’s allegations with the same seriousness. A proper and independent investigation is needed,” the Vanaja Collective representative emphasized.
As of now, the matter remains under public scrutiny, with demands from civil society groups for authorities to ensure justice and provide protection to the victims who have spoken out.
