Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ashram ‘encroached’ on land beyond lease limits; SIT to probe

The order further said that a few locals and agents of the foundation had obstructed repeated attempts to conduct a survey as per the law, noting that the majority of the lake in survey no 150 was encroached on.

As per the order, the foundation has built a compound wall on land of 291 acres and 38 guntas, including 60 acres leased to it. The lease period for 41 acres expired in 2015, while the lease period for the rest of the 60 acres will expire in 2033.

When contacted, Chandrashekar said, “We had compiled documents regarding encroachment of the lake and stormwater drain before approaching the court.”

Art of Living alleges ‘malicious intent’

The Art of Living foundation welcomed the constitution of the SIT but said the proceedings were being driven by an MLC’s malicious intent. “We welcome the constitution of the SIT. A thorough and impartial investigation will establish the facts and bring the matter to a definitive conclusion,” the foundation said in a statement.

“Regarding the allegations made against us, there is absolutely no question of any encroachment. We categorically reject all allegations of wrongdoing. In fact, a government survey conducted four to five months ago established that, of the 60 acres allotted to us by the government, we are in possession of only 36 acres. The government has yet to hand over the remaining 24 acres to us,” the statement read.

“These proceedings are being driven by malicious intent. They have been instigated by an MLC as a calculated attempt to intimidate and harass us. The said MLC is facing serious allegations in a criminal case. We possess phone recordings that substantiate our allegation of attempted extortion by certain individuals. These individuals are not local residents; they have come from outside with the apparent intention of extorting money. We have submitted every relevant document to the authorities, have full faith in the judicial system, and are fully confident that the truth will prevail,” it added.

Realty firm among other ‘encroachers’

Among the related organisations accused of encroachment along with the foundation are Veda Vijnana Maha Vidayapeeta Institute, Sumeru Global Support Solutions Private Limited, and Sumeru Realty Private Limited.

The SIT will investigate the violations, how the lands were encroached upon, the conditions allegedly violated by the foundation, and other land-related complaints against it. The SIT will verify land grant documents and also identify public roads, water sources, and other common land that the foundation is accused of encroaching on.

Senior IAS officer Amlan Aditya Biswas will head the 11-member SIT.