‘Sat for 11 seconds’: Mystery shrouds Premanand Maharaj disciple’s death after CCTV footage emerges | Agra News
AGRA: A fresh CCTV video showing the 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 in which he fell from the fourth floor of a building in Vrindavan’s Varah Ghat area.The 33-second video shows Rasik Dulari Sharan sitting on the rooftop for around 11 seconds before suddenly getting up and jumping. Another disciple is seen climbing the stairs towards the rooftop, apparently to approach him, but he jumps before the person can reach him.The incident took place at Gau Kripa Kunj, where disciples of Premanand Maharaj reside. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and questioning other disciples staying at the building. CCTV footage is also being examined.The video has raised several questions about what happened before Rasik Dulari Sharan reached the rooftop, including reports circulating on social media about an alleged genital injury. Police have not yet established the circumstances leading to his death.Meanwhile, the incident has prompted significant changes in the arrangements at Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan. The ashram has indefinitely suspended final initiation ceremonies and the scheduled attendance of disciples seeking Premanand Maharaj’s blessings. The restrictions came into effect on October 1.The dress code for initiated disciples residing in Vrindavan has also been changed. They have been instructed to stop wearing yellow and white clothes and instead dress like ordinary devotees. Only ascetics and the saint’s personal attendants will continue wearing the traditional colours.The changes follow the controversy surrounding Athe disciple’s death and negative comments on social media. Information about the new arrangements was shared on the Braj Sant Mahima social media platform, although the post was not an official communication from the ashram. However, an attendant at the ashram’s enquiry counter confirmed some of the changes.The impact of the restrictions was visible on Wednesday, when disciples were seen visiting the ashram in ordinary coloured clothes instead of their usual yellow and white attire. The number of devotees visiting the ashram has also declined since the incident.Several devotees who had travelled from other cities to meet Premanand Maharaj were left disappointed. Subodh Kumar, who arrived from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan, said he had come to seek the saint’s blessings but could not meet him because of the restrictions.Arun Kumar, who travelled from Ayodhya, was seen chanting outside the ashram. He said he was scheduled to attend a session before initiation on Wednesday but had to postpone his plans after the suspension. He planned to visit temples in Vrindavan before returning on Thursday morning.Premanand Maharaj is currently staying in seclusion at an ashram in Belvan, Mant.
