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The Tamil Nadu police submitted a comprehensive report to the Supreme Court regarding their investigation into allegations against the Isha Foundation, founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. This report came as a result of a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr. S Kamaraj, who claimed his two daughters were being held captive at the foundation. While the daughters stated they were there willingly, the police investigation delved into various aspects of the foundation's operations, uncovering a range of concerns.
The police, having conducted an extensive inquiry at the foundation's ashram in Thondamuthur, found no evidence to support the claims of illegal confinement. Individuals residing there, including brahmacharis and volunteers, asserted their voluntary presence and freedom to leave at any time. However, the report highlighted significant shortcomings in the foundation's internal mechanisms, including grievance redressal systems, suggesting a potential lack of transparency and accountability.
Further investigation revealed a number of cases related to the foundation, including missing persons, suicides, and sexual assault allegations. The report detailed six missing persons cases filed at the Alandurai police station over the past 15 years, with one remaining unresolved. Additionally, seven cases under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, related to investigations into suicides and unnatural deaths, were documented. While the report didn't directly connect these deaths to the foundation's activities, it raised questions regarding the well-being of individuals residing there.
The report also highlighted a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, stemming from a complaint against a doctor employed by Isha Outreach. The doctor was arrested and denied bail, with the investigation ongoing. Furthermore, a woman attending a yoga course at the Isha Yoga Centre reported being sexually assaulted by another participant. Despite withdrawing her complaint, the police indicated they intend to continue investigating, as the accused was not officially questioned or arrested.
The investigation also uncovered allegations of land encroachment by the Isha Yoga Centre, with the police registering an FIR and pursuing an ongoing investigation. The report also revealed that the Isha Yoga Centre housed a considerable population, including brahmacharis, volunteers, paid staff, workers, students, and guests. Furthermore, the report criticized the foundation's lack of a functional Internal Complaints Committee as mandated by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.
An inspection of the Isha Clinic conducted by the Joint Director of Health Services in Coimbatore revealed the use of expired medical equipment and the operation of X-ray machinery by an unqualified individual despite a valid license until 2027. The investigation also uncovered concerns regarding the lack of awareness among children residing at the foundation about their rights and protections under the POCSO Act. Child welfare experts involved in the investigation observed mood swings among some individuals, recommending longer-term observation to assess potential issues.
This police report, despite not finding evidence of illegal confinement, highlighted a range of concerns regarding the internal functioning of the Isha Foundation. The report's revelations regarding missing persons, suicides, and sexual assault allegations, coupled with concerns about child welfare and the non-functioning of internal mechanisms, warrant further investigation and scrutiny. The report also raised questions about the foundation's adherence to safety standards and legal regulations. The Supreme Court, having received this report, is now poised to make a decision on the habeas corpus petition, with the potential to have significant implications for the future of the Isha Foundation.