Alleged obscene video of Sarkhej ashram saint sparks outrage

A major controversy has erupted at the Bharati Ashram near Ahmedabad’s Sarkhej Highway, after an alleged obscene video purportedly showing a saint in a compromising situation with a disciple went viral, triggering outrage among devotees and intensifying an ongoing internal power struggle within the religious institution.

The video, allegedly involving saint Eka Bharti, surfaced amid a long-running dispute over succession and management control of the ashram.

Devotees have expressed anger over the incident and demanded legal action, claiming the controversy had hurt religious sentiments and raised questions over the dignity of the ashram.

According to sources, there has been a long-standing dispute among saints linked to the ashram regarding control of the institution and succession to the religious seat.

Sources said Eka Bharti, a disciple of Mahant Hariharanand, was elevated to the position after another saint and a female disciple were earlier removed from the ashram.

The controversy intensified after a disciple reportedly approached Gujarat Navnirman Sena president, Atul Dave, alleging misconduct by Eka Bharti and sharing a purported secretly recorded video as evidence.

Following this, Dave held a press conference outside the ashram, where the video was allegedly shown to the media, triggering a major uproar.

The incident has also revived earlier allegations levelled against Mahant Hariharanand by a female disciple associated with the ashram.

Two months ago, the woman had reportedly accused the mahant of misconduct and alleged that she had been subjected to exploitation during her six years at the ashram.

She had also submitted a representation to the district police authorities in Amreli, while police in Khambha had reportedly recorded her statement.

However, no FIR has been registered in that matter so far.

Dave had recently demanded action against those accused in the earlier case and called for justice for the female disciple.