Vrindavan ashram protest over missing 17-year-old

The family of a 17-year-old boy, Anuj Chaudhary, staged a protest outside the Shri Hit Radha Kelikunj ashram in Vrindavan on Friday, alleging that the facility is withholding information regarding his whereabouts.

Anuj, a resident of Hathras district, reportedly went missing on July 3 after leaving home to visit the ashram of spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj. His father, Rajveer Singh, stated that the boy had previously received initiation from the saint in June. The family expressed heightened concern following a reported suicide of a disciple at the ashram on September 25.

While the family alleges the ashram management has denied them entry and clear information, local police stated that ashram records do not show the boy as a resident. Vrindavan Circle Officer Sandeep Kumar Singh noted that the family had filed a missing person report in July, claiming the boy had left for coaching classes. Police have assured the family they will continue efforts to locate the teenager.