A letter seeking security for Vrindavan spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj has been sent to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath amid allegations of rival groups operating inside the ashram. The request was made by Dinesh Sharma, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas.
Sharma alleged that one group consists of genuine saints, while another includes alleged land and child-trafficking elements. He claimed that around 15 small and large ashrams linked to the institution had been occupied. These claims have not been established in the supplied material.
The security request follows the death of 25-year-old practitioner Deepak Lodhi, also known as Rasik Dulari Sharan. He died after falling from the fourth floor in Vrindavan on 25 September 2026. Police began investigating, while a forensic team collected evidence.
-mortem reportedly found serious injuries. Reports also referred to other injuries and an injury or cut involving a private body part. Police are examining these circumstances, and some saints and relatives have sought an impartial or higher-level investigation.
Allegations about the ashram
Sharma alleged that the group he described as the “mafia” faction could harm Premanand Maharaj. He also claimed that land in the Yamuna Khadar area had been sold and that the faction had accumulated assets worth crores and billions of rupees.
He further alleged that incidents of misconduct had increased at the ashram. According to his claims, people were sent into crowds to create disorder, while allegations were also made about killings of ascetics and missing children. The supplied material does not establish these allegations.
Sharma said security for Premanand Maharaj was important because he has crores of followers and has guided crores of Sanatan Hindus. He expressed confidence that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would provide protection.
Missing teenager found
A separate case involved a teenager whose family protested outside the ashram after he reportedly went missing following initiation. The ashram said it would cooperate with the inquiry.
Barsana police later found 16-year-old Anuj safe at Ladli Das Ashram on Radha Bagh Marg on Saturday. He was handed over to relatives who had been protesting outside the ashram.
Another case concerns a 35-year-old woman from Noida who has reportedly been missing since 15 August. Her family suspects she may have gone to Premanand Maharaj's ashram, but the supplied material does not confirm that she visited or remains there.
