CBI to probe Rohini ashram sexual assault case

The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the case of alleged sexual assault of women and minor girls in the residential facility of an ashram cum meditation centre in Rohini area of Delhi.

The high court transferred the case to probe agency in view of its serious nature.

A court-appointed committee informed the court that they recovered around 40 mobile phones, 12 memory cards and a few letters, all of which have been sealed now.

The court was hearing a plea filed by an NGO, Foundation of Social Empowerment, alleging that the girls living in the premises of the educational institution were not allowed to leave the area or meet their respective families.

Taking note of this, the high court had asked the police, Delhi government and Delhi Commission for Women, to visit the place and assess the situation.

Family of one of the victims had alleged that they have not been allowed to meet her since 2015.

An alleged victim had stated in the court that the people in the ashram tried to brainwash the resident girls and women, and sexually assaulted them under the pretext of religion.

She further alleged that the victims were brainwashed into believing that no wrong was committed and the aggressors were manifestations of God.