Six missing from Isha Foundation? TN Police updates Madras High Court
The Tamil Nadu Police informed the Madras High Court that six individuals have gone missing from the Isha Foundation. It is founded by Jagadish ‘Jaggi’ Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru, in Coimbatore since 2016.
The submissions were made orally before a Bench of Justices MS Ramesh and Sunder Mohan. The court directed the police to submit a status report on the probe by April 8, following a habeas corpus petition filed by Thirumalai to produce his brother Ganesan, who reportedly went missing from the Isha Foundation in March last year.
According to Thirumalai, his brother, 46-year-old Ganesan, went missing after not reporting to duty for two days at the Isha Foundation, where he worked.
Thirumalai complained and moved the court after being unable to contact his brother. The Isha Foundation, a nonprofit spiritual organization founded in 1992 near Coimbatore, refuted allegations of six missing individuals, labeling the claims as ‘totally false and baseless’.
The Additional Public Prosecutor updated the court on the ongoing investigation, stating that while some missing persons may have returned, specific details remain elusive.
An investigation into the missing case is underway, the police added.
Thirumalai, a farmer, approached the court with a habeas corpus plea when his brother disappeared, alleging lethargic behavior from the police in handling the case. A habeas corpus plea is a legal order for an inquiry to determine if a person has been lawfully imprisoned.
The Isha Foundation has been engaged in environmental conservation efforts, launching campaigns such as ”Save Soil” and ”Rally for Rivers”.
Isha Foundation’s headquarters are situated in an ashram nestled amidst the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, adjacent to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, approximately forty kilometers from the city of Coimbatore. Previously, there have been controversies surrounding construction activities at the Isha Yoga Centre and allegations of rule violations.
