Secret chambers, trafficking allegations at Anandpur Dham Ashram:Congress alleges abuse, illegal confinement, and financial irregularities

The Congress has submitted an 80-page complaint to Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Kailash Makwana, alleging the existence of secret underground chambers and serious criminal activities at the Anandpur Dham Trust in Ashoknagar district. The complaint was filed by Pradesh Congress Scheduled Caste Department president Pradeep Ahirwar, who has demanded an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the allegations. According to the complaint, illegal underground chambers have been constructed at Anandpur Dham without permission from the municipal administration or intimation to any government department. The letter expresses apprehension that these chambers could be used for illegal activities, including secretly confining people, and stresses the need for urgent action. Allegations of physical and mental abuse Ahirwar has alleged that the Anandpur Dham Trust is facing multiple accusations, including physical and mental abuse, illegal encroachment on land, and unlawful purchase and sale of properties. He claimed that victim statements, videos, and documentary evidence are available, but despite this, the local police and administration have shown little interest in conducting a fair investigation. Human trafficking angle raised The complaint further alleges that through the Anandpur Dham Trust, several individuals were sent to states such as Punjab and Karnataka, where they were kept without any legal process or official documentation. The Congress has urged authorities to investigate the matter from a human trafficking angle. Ahirwar has also demanded a probe into the role of influential individuals associated with the trust, including Bhopal resident Amrik Singh. Key points mentioned in the 80-page complaint The documents submitted to the DGP include: Sex racket allegations made earlier Earlier this week, Pradeep Ahirwar had held a press conference in Bhopal, alleging that illegal activities had been taking place at Anandpur Dham for years. He claimed that young men were being exploited and that an organised prostitution racket was operating within the ashram. Ahirwar stated that he possesses video evidence to support his allegations. He also alleged that IAS officers Vivek Agrawal, Avinash Lavania, and Mayank Agrawal were helping launder black money through the Anandpur Dham Trust. According to Ahirwar, the trust earns approximately ₹800 crore annually, but no proper financial records are maintained. Ahirwar claimed that these officers frequently visit the trust and that complaints raised by local village sarpanches are ignored due to their influence. He asserted that a government-led investigation would bring the truth to light. Congress releases five videos During the press conference, Ahirwar released five videos, three of which he described as objectionable. In one video, a young man is seen performing obscene acts, whom Ahirwar alleged is a mahant of Anandpur Dham. Another video reportedly shows a baba engaging in sexual activity, while a third shows a baba sitting naked on a bed. In the fourth video, a young man makes serious allegations against a baba. In the fifth, a woman sevadar alleges that she was asked to supply girls. The videos are stated to be around a year old. Dainik Bhaskar has not independently verified these videos. Victim’s statement detailed in video In one of the videos, a young man identifies himself along with his village and alleges that Avdhesh Bhagat and Fauji Bhagat sexually abused him. He claims they threatened to throw him out of the ashram if he refused and warned him of severe consequences. The youth alleged that he secretly recorded videos of the abuse and sent them to Surendra Mahatma and Sonu Mahatma. He claimed that he was later called to a guest house, where he was made to sign documents he could not read, as he is illiterate. He further alleged that he was threatened with death if he informed his parents. According to him, the videos were deleted from the ashram’s system, but copies remain in his possession. He said that if he does not receive justice, he may take his own life. Allegations of encroachment on tribal land Ahirwar also alleged that the Anandpur Dham Trust has encroached upon tribal land and government property. He claimed that despite complaints related to cow slaughter in 2025, no action was taken, even at the DGP level. Several mahants associated with the trust already have criminal cases registered against them, and the matter could be linked to human trafficking. No action despite repeated complaints The Congress leader alleged that police failed to take action despite repeated complaints. He claimed that no concrete steps were taken on memorandums submitted to the district collector and that Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia did not intervene in the matter. Calling the case “Dera Sacha Sauda Part-2,” the Congress has demanded a judicial inquiry. Ahirwar said the party would soon approach the High Court. Fort-like walls and heavy security Located about 42 km from Ashoknagar district headquarters on Chanderi Road near Isagarh, Anandpur Dham Ashram began nearly 95 years ago as a small hut and now spreads across approximately 1,500 bighas of land. The ashram has three private bus stands, its own fire brigade, and landscaped gardens. The boundary walls resemble a fort and are topped with sharp glass shards to prevent trespassing. Security guards are stationed at the main gate. Followers across India and abroad Followers of Anandpur Dham are spread across India and abroad, particularly in countries with a large Indian diaspora such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, many followers are not formally registered, making it difficult to estimate their exact number. Even the ashram management does not have precise figures, though lakhs of devotees gather during the annual Baisakhi fair. Advaita philosophy and religious background Advaita is a school of Hindu philosophy meaning “non-dualism,” based on texts such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras. According to Advaita philosophy, there is only one ultimate reality—Brahman—which is formless, attributeless, and all-pervading. The soul (Atman) and Brahman are considered one and the same. Foundation and expansion of Anandpur Dham The foundation of Anandpur Dham is linked to Paramhans Dayal Maharaj, founder of the Advaita sect, who was delivering sermons in Agra when Seth Pannalal Modi of Isagarh invited him to visit. Around 1930, the second guru, Swaroop Anand Maharaj, arrived in Isagarh and established the Anandpur Dham Ashram. In 1954, the Shri Anandpur Dham Trust was formed to manage and safeguard the movable and immovable properties of the ashram. The trust also operates schools and hospitals for local residents. Origins of the sect Local historian Hemant Dubey said the sect predates India’s independence and was first established in the Sindh province. After Partition, it spread to Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana, where it has a large following. The samadhis of four gurus of the sect are located within Anandpur Dham. Their marble temples, comparable to the Taj Mahal in craftsmanship, make the ashram the most important centre of the sect. People of all castes and religions are allowed to join, though most followers come from outside the region. Life and activities at the ashram Mahant Sonu Maharaj said the ashram is open to all religions and castes. Around 1,500 people, including sadhus, sadhvis, and devotees, reside at the ashram, while several preachers travel across the country to spread its teachings. Baisakhi, Vyas Puja, and Diwali are the main festivals celebrated at Anandpur Dham. The trust operates three schools and one hospital in the district, providing free education, uniforms, meals, medical treatment, and medicines.