Vrindavan ashram responds to suspicious death of devotee

The Shrihit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan has issued its first official statement regarding the suspicious death of Rasik Dulari Sharan, also known as Deepak Lodhi. The ashram, associated with saint Premanand Maharaj, expressed grief over the death and stated it is cooperating fully with police investigations. The incident, which reportedly involved the individual falling from a roof, has led to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) being filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking a high-level SIT or magisterial inquiry.

In response to the controversy, several prominent spiritual figures, including Bhagwatacharya Chitralekha and Aniruddhacharya, have voiced support for Premanand Maharaj, cautioning against making conclusions without full facts. Meanwhile, Dinesh Phalahari, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nyas, has written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath requesting an investigation into the ashram's activities.

In a related development involving missing persons linked to the ashram, police in Barsana successfully located 16-year-old Anuj Chaudhary. The teenager from Hathras had been missing for three months after reportedly taking initiation from Premanand Maharaj. He was found residing at the Ladli Das Ashram and has since been reunited with his family.