CCTV Captures Fall, Injuries Raise Questions Over Premanand Maharaj Disciple’s Death
The post-mortem report, Lodhi suffered six injuries, including severe head injuries, a fractured rib and a broken leg.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, September 29: Sant Premanand Maharaj’s disciple Deepak Lodhi, also known as Rasik Dulari Sharan, died on Friday, September 25, after allegedly falling from the fourth floor of Guru Kripa Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. While CCTV footage reportedly shows Lodhi jumping from the building, injuries found on his body have prompted police to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death more closely.
The incident took place around 10 am and shocked people in the area. A viral video from the scene showed a stole fastened around Lodhi’s neck. Police received information from a hospital that an injured man had been brought there. Officers later identified him as Lodhi, a resident of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. A senior police officer said Lodhi had been staying at Guru Kripa Kunj Ashram, associated with Keli Kunj.
Police Probe Focuses On Circumstances Of Death
Police reportedly recovered a grinder from Lodhi’s room and have sent it for forensic examination to determine whether fingerprints on the object can provide clues about what happened before his death.
According to the post-mortem report, Lodhi suffered six injuries, including severe head injuries, a fractured rib and a broken leg, reported NDTV. The post-mortem details also noted a serious injury to his private parts. Investigators are examining whether the injury was self-inflicted or caused by another person.
Police are also examining the possibility of other factors that may have contributed to his death. His blood sample has been sent for forensic examination to determine whether he had consumed any drugs, poison or other substances before the incident.
Although CCTV footage from the ashram reportedly shows Lodhi falling from the fourth floor, investigators are trying to establish what happened inside his room immediately before the incident.
Police are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area to determine who may have been with Lodhi before his death and to reconstruct his movements in the hours leading up to the incident.
Phone Data, Deleted Chats Under Scanner
Officials are also examining Lodhi’s digital records. His mobile phone has been sent for forensic analysis to determine whether photographs, videos, messages or other data were deleted before his death and whether the deleted material can be recovered.
Police have separately questioned residents of the ashram and other people who were in contact with Lodhi or were present in the area. Officials may also question other people associated with the ashram as the investigation progresses.
Vrindavan Saints Demand High-Level Probe
The incident has also prompted calls from saints in Vrindavan for a high-level investigation. At a meeting, a group of saints urged authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding Lodhi’s death and demanded a detailed probe, said a report by India Today.
Mahant Mohini Sharan Maharaj alleged that the administration had not adequately responded to the incident and questioned why Keli Kunj, where Lodhi was staying, had not issued a statement following his death. He called for the district administration to order a high-level investigation into the matter. Sharan also called for scrutiny of the movement of people in the area dressed as saints, alleging that some anti-social elements could be using such attire.
Another saint, Mahant Gangadas Ji Maharaj, described the incident as “very wrong” and said similar incidents had allegedly occurred in the area in the past. He further alleged that some people associated with Keli Kunj were involved in what he described as “mafia activities” and land grabbing, and claimed such activities were harming Sanatan culture. These allegations have not been independently established.
Deepak’s post-moterm reports have declared excessive bleeding as the cause of his death. Investigation in the matter is going on.
