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orders inquiry into missing woman, affairs of
In a significant move, the has directed the of to register a and conduct an inquiry into the whereabouts of a woman allegedly missing from the in Rohini. The of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia also flagged the need for a broader probe into the affairs and management of the ashram, noting a lack of clarity on who currently runs it and the source of its funds.
A Missing Daughter, A Deteriorating Health
The petition was initially filed by Dumpala Meenavathi and another, parents of the missing woman, seeking her release from the custody of individuals associated with the ashram. In a recent application, the parents pleaded that both are in poor and deteriorating health and, owing to their advanced age, have no one else to look after them. The court was informed that they spoke to their daughter over a video call, during which she appeared to be in a bad condition but refused to visit them.
Court Questions Ashram Accountability
During the hearing, informed the court that she had interacted with two women present in court who claimed to be followers of the spiritual order. They stated that the missing woman was no longer residing at the Rohini ashram, though her luggage and belongings remained there. The court noted that the founder and spiritual head of the ashram, Virender Dev Dixit, was facing , had , and is now reported to be dead, as informed by the for the .
Expressing concern, the bench observed:
"We are of the opinion that the affairs of the aashram and the manner in which they are being run need to be probed and inquired into."
The court emphasized that while it does not interfere with anyone's faith or spiritual belief, there has to be accountability.
"Somebody should own up to responsibility. The peers of the ashram cannot be left unaccountable. If nobody comes forward, the State will take it over,"
the bench stated.
Police Probe Ordered
Since the missing woman's luggage and belongings were still lying at the ashram, the court directed the SHO of to register a case of missing person and conduct an inquiry into her whereabouts. The SHO is to submit a report on the next date of hearing and remain present in court to apprise the bench of the outcome. The court also requested the for the Delhi government, , to communicate the order to the SHO and provide all necessary assistance.
The matter is now listed for , along with a , and has been ordered to be placed "". The court's order comes amid allegations that several women and girls may be in at the ashram, with claims that some inmates are minors and are being drugged. The CBI had previously assured the court that efforts were being made to apprehend Dixit, and raids were conducted at his farmhouses and ashrams.
