Torture and Duress? Isha Foundation Lands Itself In Controversy

Another parent has filed a petition against the Isha Foundation Centre for allegedly holding her son captive.

The parent of the victim talking to the press. (Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

Nearly a week after a couple alleged that their daughters were being held captive by Coimbatore-based Isha Yoga Centre, another parent has filed a petition with the District Collector alleging that her 32-year-old son is being tortured and forced to stay in the foundation against his will.

In her petition, Tamilselvi says that her son Ramesh, an engineering graduate had been working in Singapore and had gone to the Isha Foundation to learn yoga four years ago. “He went for an Isha Foundation meeting once in Coimbatore and after that they kept calling him for one week. He then went and joined the foundation. How can they take my son without the permission of his parent?” she asked.

She claims he is being tortured and is not allowed to leave the foundation. “Whenever we go and meet him, there will be four people from the foundation standing with us. They even shaved his head and made him wear a ‘veshti’. He will always tell us that he is fine but he also cries. I am sure that they are giving him some medicines,” she alleged.

Calling the allegations baseless, a volunteer at Isha Foundation told The News Minute, “People are allowed to leave the foundation whenever they want to. There is no compulsion on anyone to stay in the foundation.”

Meanwhile, the All India Democratic Women’s Association demanded a proper investigation into the case. “For the last two years, there have been many complaints against Isha foundation and the Tamil Nadu government must look into this case,” said Rathika, district secretary of AIDWA.

AIDWA is also planning to conduct protest against the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore.