Shocking Allegations: Hidden Cameras, Sexual Harassment, and Fraud Rock a Prominent Ashram

A prominent spiritual institution, the Anandamayi Ashram in Haridwar, has been plunged into a maelstrom of scandal following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against its current head, Chaitanyananda Saraswati. The detailed complaint, filed by a former disciple, Swami Purnananda, paints a disturbing picture of surveillance, alleged sexual harassment, financial fraud, and a high-stakes conspiracy to seize control of multi-crore properties.

The FIR, lodged in Haridwar, invokes a barrage of serious charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-D (stalking), 506 (criminal intimidation), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 467 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), and 471 (using forged document).

This extensive list underscores the gravity of the accusations laid bare by Swami Purnananda.

At the heart of the complaint are allegations of insidious surveillance. Swami Purnananda claims that Chaitanyananda Saraswati installed hidden cameras in his room and even his bathroom, meticulously monitoring his every move for “unethical spying.” The motive, according to the complaint, was to gather compromising material for blackmail and to coerce Purnananda into succumbing to demands related to the ashram's vast properties and his personal involvement.

Beyond the chilling surveillance, the FIR alleges attempted sexual harassment.

Purnananda states that Chaitanyananda Saraswati made unwelcome advances and, upon rejection, resorted to threats of ruining his reputation. The complaint further suggests a wider network, involving two women identified as Anupama Sharma and Sarla Devi, who were allegedly used by Chaitanyananda Saraswati for “nefarious activities,” including entrapping individuals and leveraging their influence within the ashram's internal power dynamics.

The financial irregularities and property disputes form another critical pillar of the complaint.

Swami Purnananda accuses Chaitanyananda Saraswati of attempting to defraud the ashram of properties valued in hundreds of crores. This alleged scheme involved pressuring Purnananda to sign blank papers and other documents under duress, all purportedly aimed at facilitating the illegal acquisition of ashram assets.

Furthermore, the FIR details accusations of misappropriation of funds, with specific mention of a sum of Rs 3 crore being diverted from ashram donations into personal accounts for illicit gain.

The power struggle for control of the Anandamayi Ashram, particularly following the demise of Swami Ramamananda, appears to be a central theme.

Chaitanyananda Saraswati is accused of orchestrating a criminal conspiracy to seize control of the ashram's vast wealth and influence. This conspiracy allegedly involved other prominent figures, including Swami Shivananda, Swami Paramtmananda, and Swami Pragyananda, who are named in the FIR for their purported roles in threatening, assaulting, and intimidating Swami Purnananda to force him out of the ashram and secure control of the properties.

The complaint outlines instances of physical assault and repeated threats against Purnananda, including death threats, compelling him to flee the ashram and live in hiding for a period.

The forgeries mentioned in the FIR relate to trust documents, further implicating the accused in a complex web of deceit designed to solidify their control over the ashram's legacy and resources. With the police now investigating these explosive charges, the spiritual world watches as the dark saga of the Anandamayi Ashram continues to unfold.