This post is based on an article by Anjana Meenakshi, originally published in The News Minute.
Key Points:
- Deepika and Vallabh, once devoted followers, publicly accused Isha of operating as a cult and covering up sexual abuse at its school, Isha Home School (IHS).
- Their son Sagar, a former student, was allegedly sexually assaulted by a classmate. The school allegedly reinstated the accused student after briefly removing him.
- Deepika says she stayed silent initially, believing it was an isolated case, but came forward after hearing of other abuse allegations.
- They spoke out after being emboldened by a Madras High Court-ordered police raid on Isha’s premises.
- An NRI couple in the US also came forward, alleging their daughter was sexually abused by a Physical Training (PT) teacher at IHS between the ages of 7 and 10, over a span of two years (2007–2010). Their daughter only revealed the details when she was 14.
- Legal Actions & Media Backlash:
- At least two police complaints have been filed.
- Isha has pushed back aggressively, calling the allegations “coordinated, vested, and failed attacks.”
- The foundation has also filed suits against journalist Nakkheeran Gopal and YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh for reporting on the case.
- Right-wing influencers have publicly defended Isha and attacked the whistleblowers.
Overall Theme:
The article paints a troubling picture of alleged abuse, cover-ups, and institutional silence within a prominent spiritual organization, with victims and former insiders now demanding justice and accountability.
