Missing Teen Anuj Chaudhary’s Disappearance and Allegations Against Premanand Maharaj’s Ashram

Anuj Chaudhary, a 17-year-old resident of Hathras district, took spiritual initiation (“diksha”) from Premanand Govind Sharan — commonly called Premanand Ji Maharaj — on June 26. He returned home the same day but revisited the Keli Kunj ashram in Vrindavan on July 3, carrying books and prayer beads. Since that visit, his family reports no contact and says he has been missing for roughly three months. The parents filed an FIR on July 5 at Sadabad police station, alleging that Anuj left for “coaching classes” and did not return.

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The case gained attention after a separate disciple, Rasik Dulari Sharan (also known as Deepak Lodhi), died under unclear circumstances on September 25. His family previously complained of difficulty meeting him at the same ashram. The recurrence of families reporting limited access to residents has revived scrutiny of the ashram’s communication policies.

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• June 26 – Anuj receives initiation from Premanand Ji Maharaj.

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• July 3 – Anuj visits the ashram again; thereafter he is not seen by his family.

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• July 5 – Parents lodge an FIR alleging his disappearance.

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• September 25 – Death of disciple Rasik Dulari Sharan; family raises similar access concerns.

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• October 2 – News outlet reports that Anuj’s family has been searching for three months without clear information.

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• October 3 – Parents stage a protest outside the ashram demanding answers.

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Vrindavan Circle Officer Sandeep Kumar Singh said the ashram confirmed Anuj’s initiation on June 26 but that he was not a resident. Singh noted the parents’ claim that the ashram “was not briefing them properly.” The ashram’s management has not issued a formal response to the family’s allegations.

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• “The parents came to Vrindavan, claiming that Anuj was inside the Ashram, and that the management was not briefing them properly,” — Officer Sandeep Kumar Singh

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The family continues to seek clarification on Anuj’s whereabouts, while authorities and the ashram await further investigation.

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