A large police team, consisting of 150 personnel, visited the Isha Foundation’s yoga center in Thondamuthur, Tamil Nadu, after the Madras High Court requested a detailed report on all criminal cases registered against the spiritual institution. The police action follows a habeas corpus petition filed by S. Kamaraj, a retired professor from Coimbatore, who accused the foundation of “brainwashing” his two daughters to live at the center and cutting off contact with their family.
Kamaraj alleged that his daughters were not allowed to maintain communication with their family, and he raised concerns about their well-being. The Madras High Court, taking the petition into consideration, asked the Tamil Nadu government to provide full details of any criminal cases linked to Isha Foundation and its founder, Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru.
Responding to the allegations, Isha Foundation strongly denied the claims, stating that they do not force individuals into any form of renunciation. “Isha Foundation was founded by Sadhguru to impart yoga and spirituality to people. We believe that adult individuals have the freedom and wisdom to choose their path,” the foundation said in an official statement. The organization also clarified that the petitioner’s daughters had voluntarily chosen to stay at the center.
“They have clearly stated that they are staying in Isha Yoga Center of their own volition. Now that the matter is seized by the court, we hope that truth will prevail and there is an end to all unnecessary controversies,” the foundation added.
The petitioner also alleged that he had been prevented from entering the premises, claiming to be part of a fact-finding committee investigating a crematorium project undertaken by the foundation.
The high-profile police visit included three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), who, according to reports from The Indian Express, conducted a general inquiry into the lifestyle of residents and volunteers at the center. A spokesperson from the yoga center explained that the police visit was focused on understanding the nature of the living conditions and routines of those at the center.
The Madras High Court also raised an interesting observation during the proceedings, questioning why Sadhguru’s own daughter was married and well-settled, while other women at the center were encouraged to shave their heads and renounce worldly life.
The case remains under the court’s review, with further developments expected as the Tamil Nadu government compiles the requested report on the Isha Foundation.
