Anandpur Trust denies bribery claim against collector:Rules out PMO complaint amid ₹3 crore transfer rumours

A new twist has emerged in the transfer of Ashok Nagar Collector Aditya Singh. A day after his transfer, Anandpur Trust has categorically denied allegations that Aditya Singh demanded a bribe from the Trust. In an official statement issued on Thursday, Shabd Sagar Anand Mahatma of the Trust said that no money was ever demanded by the former Collector, nor did the Trust lodge any complaint against him. He termed the reports of a bribe demand as “completely baseless”. “The Trust has no information about the grounds on which such allegations were made. The news claiming that money was sought from us is false. Those spreading such misinformation should be identified and investigated,” the statement said. The Madhya Pradesh government transferred Aditya Singh from the post of Ashok Nagar Collector late on Wednesday night. He has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department. Saket Malviya has been named as the new Collector, though he had not taken charge till Thursday night. Following the transfer of the 2014-batch IAS officer, reports surfaced claiming that Aditya Singh was removed after allegedly demanding ₹3 crore from Anandpur Dham. It was also claimed that the Trust had complained to the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the matter. However, the Trust’s clarification has now cast serious doubt on these claims, prompting questions about the source and authenticity of the allegations. Honor announced in the day, transfer at night
Interestingly, on Wednesday itself, it was announced that Aditya Singh would be honored by the Governor on January 25 for better performance in Special Intensive Review (SIR) in Ashok Nagar. People had also supported him on social media. Preparations were also underway to hold a public meeting in his support, but by nightfall, the order for his transfer had arrived. Used to tour villages by bicycle
As the Collector of Ashok Nagar, Aditya Singh used to tour villages two or three days a week. He would go among people and listen to their problems. Many times he would even go by bicycle. During rains, he personally reached the spot at midnight to rescue people trapped in floods. During his tenure, the number of applicants in public hearings increased to 1200. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has also praised him many times from open platforms. Congress’s allegation – Sex racket running in Anandpur Dham
Pradeep Ahirwar, Madhya Pradesh President of Congress Scheduled Caste Department, held a press conference in Bhopal on Monday. He said that illegal activities have been going on in Anandpur Dham for years. Young men are being exploited here. An organized prostitution racket is running. They have video evidence of this. Ahirwar had said that IAS officers Vivek Agarwal, Avinash Lavania and Mayank Agarwal are helping in money laundering through the Anandpur Dham Trust. The trust’s annual income is approximately Rs 800 crore, but no accounts are being maintained. These three officers frequently visit Anandpur Trust. Local panchayat sarpanches are continuously filing complaints. No action is being taken on those complaints due to the influence of these officers. If the government conducts an investigation, everything will come to light. Congress had also released 5 videos
Ahirwar had also released five videos at the press conference. Three of these videos are objectionable. In one, a young man is making obscene gestures. Ahirwar alleges that this young man is a saint of Anandpur Dham. In the second video, a baba is seen having relations with someone. In the third video, a baba is seen sitting naked on a bed. In the fourth video, a young man has made serious allegations against the baba. In the fifth video, a female devotee is accusing someone of asking them to supply girls. All these videos are said to be about a year old. Dainik Bhaskar does not verify them. Young man said in the video – Bhagat ji would force himself whenever he wanted In a video, a young man, while stating his name and village name, is saying that Avdhesh Bhagat ji and Fauji Bhagat ji have committed atrocities against me. He used to say that if you don’t do it with me, I will drive you away from here. When I refused, he would say do it, or I will do whatever I want with you. The young man further said – I made videos of this. He would force himself on me whenever he wanted. Then I thought how long would I continue like this. This way I would just die. I sent these videos to Surendra Mahatma ji, Sonu Mahatma ji. They called me to the guest house and made me sign some documents. I don’t know why they made me sign. I am not educated. Then he told me that if you tell your parents, they will kill you. Neither your parents nor anyone else will know. I am an only brother. I got scared sir. I used to work in the langar here. Surendra Mahatma ji has deleted my videos from here, but I have these videos. If I don’t get justice, I might commit suicide. Accusations of encroaching tribal land as well
Ahirwar had also said that the trust has encroached upon tribal land and government property. Despite complaints of cow slaughter in 2025, no action was taken even at the DGP level. Many saints associated with the trust already have criminal cases registered against them. This entire matter could also be linked to human trafficking. Union Minister also did nothing about the complaint
Congress leader Pradeep Ahirwar had alleged that police did not take action even after the complaint. No concrete steps were taken on the memorandum given to the Collector. He said that Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also did not consider it appropriate to intervene in this matter. Complaints have been continuously made for the last 5 years, but no action is being taken in the case. Congress has demanded a judicial inquiry calling it ‘Dera Sacha Sauda Part-2’. Ahirwar said that they will soon approach the High Court in the matter. Walls like a fort, security guards at the gate
The Anandpur Dham Ashram, which started 95 years ago with just a hut near Isagadh on Chanderi Road about 42 kilometers away from Ashok Nagar district headquarters, is spread over about 1500 bighas. The ashram has three private bus stands, its own fire brigade and also very beautiful gardens. The walls of the ashram are like fortress ramparts. Sharp glass pieces have been installed on their upper portions. This arrangement has been made so that no one can enter by jumping over the walls. Security guards stand at the main gate of the ashram. Many followers are not formally registered
The followers of Anandpur Dham are spread across the world. Especially in countries where Indian diaspora communities exist, such as America, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, their numbers are limited. Many followers are not formally registered, so their exact number cannot be estimated. The ashram management also does not have their exact numbers, but crowds of millions gather during the fair held on Vaisakhi. Advaita Philosophy: There is only one truth and that is Brahman
Advaita philosophy is a branch of Hindu philosophy, which literally means – absence of two. It is a form of Vedanta philosophy, which is based on scriptures like Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutra. According to Advaita philosophy, there is only one truth in reality, which is called “Brahman”. This Brahman is Nirguna (beyond attributes), formless and omnipresent. In this philosophy, the soul and Brahman are considered one and the same, meaning there is no difference between the individual soul and the supreme soul. Swaroop Anand Maharaj established Anandpur Dham
Paramhansa Dayal Maharaj, the founder of Paramhansa Advaita sect, was giving a discourse in Agra. Seth Pannalal Modi from Isagadh also went to listen to this discourse. Here he requested Maharaj to visit Isagadh. Maharaj later assured to come. Around 1930, the second guru Swaroop Anand Maharaj came to Isagadh. He established the Anandpur Dham Ashram. In 1954, Sri Anandpur Dham Trust was also established. This trust oversees and protects the movable and immovable property of the ashram. Through the trust, a school and hospital are also operated for the people of this area. The sect originated from Sindh province
Local historian Hemant Dubey said – this sect existed before independence. It was first established in Sindh province. After independence, it spread to regions of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. These regions have the most followers. The samadhi (tombs) of 4 gurus of this sect are here at Anandpur Dham Ashram. Their temples are also made of marble like the Taj Mahal in Agra. This is why it has become the most important place for this sect. People of all castes and religions can join here, but most followers who are seen here come from outside. Ashram spans 1500 bighas, plus other lands
Mahatma Sonu Maharaj of Anandpur Dham says that the court is open to all religions and castes. About 1500 people including sadhus, sadhvis, and devotees live in the ashram. Some of them are preachers who travel across the country to spread the teachings.
Vaisakhi, Vyas Puja and Diwali are the main festivals of the ashram. The ashram trust operates three schools and a hospital in the district. Children’s education, dress and food are all free. Treatment and medicines are also free at the hospital.