Kerala women accuse spiritual healer ‘Yogi Guruji’ of misconduct at meditation camp
activists demand probe
Wayanad: Serious allegations of sexual misconduct and exploitation have been levelled against Kerala-based spiritual healer “Yogi Guruji” (real name Basil) following a meditation retreat held earlier this month in Wayanad.
The incident came to light on August 18, when two young women who had worked as coordinators at the event shared their experiences through the Vanaja Collective, a Kerala-based NGO.
According to their statement, the retreat, titled Meditation Retreat Camp, was organised on August 9 and 10 at a private resort in Panamaram, Wayanad, under the coordination of Dr. Arsha Nath P., with Guruji scheduled to lead sessions. The women alleged that after arriving on August 8 for preparations, they were asked to share rooms with male participants and were instructed to accompany guests “wherever they asked.” They further claimed some guests misbehaved, and one woman reportedly went missing for a period during the camp.
Tensions also arose between organisers and the resort management over food and facilities. On August 10, when Guruji arrived, a conflict broke out during which the resort owner allegedly assaulted him. Police were called, and the resort owners were subsequently arrested for legal violations, with their devices seized.
While Guruji claimed he refunded money to guests and dismissed the controversy as a “conspiracy” linked to the resort dispute, the coordinators insisted the larger issue of sexual exploitation was being ignored. “This was nothing short of sex trafficking,” a Vanaja Collective representative alleged.
The women said they faced hurdles when trying to file a complaint at Panamaram Police Station on August 17. They alleged the FIR did not fully include their statements on sexual assault, with police registering only charges of “humiliating women.” Police officials maintained that only those charges could be pursued based on available testimony.
In his defence, Guruji rejected the allegations, saying, “All our activities are recorded and shared openly. We have never promoted anything illegal. If individuals engaged in misconduct secretly, it is not our responsibility.”
Activists, however, argue that the women are under intimidation due to Guruji’s influence. “The police acted swiftly against the resort owners but did not treat the women’s allegations with the same seriousness. A fair and independent probe is essential,” Vanaja Collective said.
Civil society groups have since demanded that authorities ensure justice and provide protection to the women who came forward. The case remains under public scrutiny.
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Karnataka: College student dies by suicide in Dharwad, 3 policemen suspended
Dharwad (Karnataka) (PTI): A college student allegedly died by suicide here, following which three policemen were suspended over allegations of harassment linked to his death by the victim's family.
Aditya Myageri, a BSc student at a private college here, was among 18 students detained by the Vidyagiri police on April 25 during an anti-drug drive, police said on Wednesday.
He hailed from Belur village in Bagalkot district, but was staying with his friends at a rented accommodation in Girinagar area of Dharwad city, police said.
Among the 18 students tested, Aditya was among the 10 who had tested negative for ganja consumption and was subsequently released.
Some of his roommates, however, tested positive.
According to police, Aditya's family alleged that despite testing negative, he was harassed by police. They also claimed some policemen demanded Rs 2,000 to settle the matter and threatened legal action if he failed to pay.
He had called his mother asking for money, but she could not arrange it immediately, the family claimed.
On Monday night, Aditya allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his rented accommodation, with his family alleging police harassment and pressure over demand for money drove him to the extreme step, a senior police officer said.
Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar told PTI that an unnatural death case has been registered at Vidyagiri police station. Three policemen have been suspended over the allegations, and further investigation is underway.
