Over 150 police officers initiated a search operation at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, acting on a directive from the Madras High Court on Tuesday. The search, which extended into a second day on Wednesday, stems from a petition filed by Dr. S. Kamaraj, a retired professor, who alleged that his two daughters, Geetha Kamaraj (42) and Latha Kamaraj (39), were being unlawfully "brainwashed to reside at the Isha Yoga Centre" by the foundation.
Kamaraj’s habeas corpus petition claimed that the Isha Foundation was brainwashing individuals, converting them into monks, and restricting their contact with families. The petition prompted the Madras High Court to order an investigation involving both the police and social welfare officials to speak with the two women and look into the broader allegations against the foundation.
The court also directed Tamil Nadu government to submit particulars on all the criminal cases registered against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.
On Tuesday, Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police Karthikeya, along with three Deputy Superintendents of Police and Social Welfare Department officials, oversaw the search and inquiry. Their focus included verifying the wellbeing of the inhabitants and conducting thorough checks of the rooms at the Isha Yoga Centre.
In response to the petition and ongoing inquiry, the Isha Foundation refuted the accusations, asserting that they do not promote monkhood or marriage, emphasising that such decisions are left to individuals. The foundation, established by Sadhguru, issued a statement saying, "We believe that adult individuals have the freedom and wisdom to choose their own path."
"They have clearly stated that they are staying in Isha Yoga Center on 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 statement read, as per PTI.
The foundation labeled the police operation as part of a "general inquiry".