Delhi High Court Orders Investigation into Missing Woman Case
The Delhi High Court has mandated an investigation by the Delhi Police into the disappearance of a woman from the Adhyatmik Vidhyalya Ashram located in Rohini, Delhi. The directive was issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia on August 24, following a petition by the woman’s parents seeking her release from alleged illegal confinement.
The petitioners claim that their daughter was being unlawfully held at the ashram. However, ashram followers present in court stated that the woman no longer resides there, although her belongings remain on the premises. The court expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the current management and funding of the ashram, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry into its operations.
Court Directs Police Action
The court has instructed the Delhi Police to register a missing person case and actively search for the missing woman. The Station House Officer of the relevant police station is required to appear in court during the next hearing to report on the investigation’s progress.
During proceedings, the petitioners shared that Virender Dev Dixit, the ashram’s founder, initially refused a video call with their daughter. Once allowed, they observed her in a weakened state, with blackened gums, which they allege is due to forced drug use. Consequently, they have requested a medical examination of their daughter at a government hospital to determine any drug influence.
The petitioners also highlighted that Dixit has been absconding, with several criminal cases pending against him. The Special Public Prosecutor from the CBI later informed the court of Dixit’s death.
Previous Allegations and Investigations
In 2017, a petition was filed addressing concerns of illegal detention and exploitation of girls at the ashram. By 2022, the High Court established a high-powered committee to inspect ashram branches, uncovering numerous irregularities, including the presence of minor girls living in poor conditions. In May 2023, a CBI investigation was initiated at the court’s behest.
The current petition highlights the ineffectiveness of previous legal actions and state interventions in dismantling the ashram’s operations. It asserts that efforts under Article 226 have failed to secure the missing woman’s freedom or address the unlawful activities at the Adhyatmik Vishwa Vidyalaya.
The petition was filed by advocate Mani Munjal, with representation from advocates Nitika Sukheja, Parth Yadav, and Mayank Tomar for the woman’s parents. Advocates Tushar Sannu and Vaibhav Tripathi appeared for the Delhi government, while Special Public Prosecutor Rajesh Kumar represented the CBI. Advocate Aakansha Kaul served as amicus curiae.
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The case is scheduled for the next hearing on August 31.
