Agra: A fresh CCTV video showing moments before the death of 25-year-old Deepak Lodhi alias Rasik Dulari Sharan, a disciple of Premanand Maharaj, has surfaced, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his fall from the fourth floor of a building in Vrindavan’s Varah Ghat area.
The 33-second video purportedly shows Lodhi sitting on the rooftop for around 11 seconds before suddenly getting up and jumping. Police said the incident took place on Sept 25 at Gau Kripa Kunj, where disciples of Premanand Maharaj reside. Because of the restrictions, subodh Kumar, who arrived from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan, said he had come to seek the saint’s blessings but could not meet him.
Police have not yet established the circumstances that led to the death and have not confirmed the claims circulating online. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Agra | Silver Rate in Agra | Bank Holidays in Agra | Public Holidays in Agra | Agra AQI | Weather in Agra | Petrol Price in Agra | Diesel Price in Agra | CNG Price in Agra | LPG Price in Agra Stay updated with the latest Agra news. The footage has also drawn attention to reports circulating on social media about an alleged genital injury. Meanwhile, the incident has led to changes in arrangements at Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan, while the ashram has indefinitely suspended final initiation ceremonies and scheduled attendance by disciples seeking Premanand Maharaj’s blessings. Several devotees who had travelled from other cities to meet Premanand Maharaj were allegedly unable to do so. Arun Kumar, who travelled from Ayodhya, was seen chanting outside the ashram. Premanand Maharaj is currently staying in seclusion at an ashram in Belvan, Mant. Download the TOI App.
Another disciple is seen climbing the stairs towards the rooftop, apparently to approach him, but he jumps before the person can reach him. Investigators are questioning other disciples staying in the building and examining CCTV footage to establish what happened before the fall. He said he had been scheduled to attend a pre-initiation session on Wednesday but postponed his plans after the suspension. He planned to visit temples in Vrindavan before returning on Thursday morning.
Only ascetics and the saint’s personal attendants will continue to wear the traditional colours, according to information shared on a social-media platform associated with the Braj religious community. The dress code for initiated disciples residing in Vrindavan has also been changed. They have been asked to stop wearing yellow and white clothes and dress like ordinary devotees.
The information was not issued as an official communication by the ashram, though an attendant at its enquiry counter confirmed some of the changes. The impact of the restrictions was visible Friday, while the number of devotees visiting the ashram also appeared to have declined since the incident. The restrictions came into effect on Thursday.