JAIPUR: A 25-year-old religious preacher died after allegedly collapsing while being treated for a fever at her ashram, prompting protests by devotees who have demanded a thorough investigation into what they describe as a “suspicious” death. Police said the woman, Sadhvi Prem Baisa, was taken to a private hospital on Wednesday evening by her father and a young man, but was declared dead on arrival. ACP (West) Chhavi Sharma said the sadhvi was brought to the hospital in a car at around 6pm. “After examination, the doctor declared her dead,” the officer said. She added that the body was being shifted to a government hospital for a post-mortem examination, which would determine the cause of death.
According to preliminary inquiries, the sadhvi had been suffering from a fever and was being treated at her ashram.Police said a compounder was called to administer an injection, after which she collapsed. Officials said she had been receiving in-house medication at the ashram. News of her death triggered unrest at the ashram, where a large number of devotees gathered and raised slogans, demanding a fair and transparent investigation. Further questions were raised after a post appeared on the sadhvi’s official Instagram account several hours after her death.The Instagram post In the post, described by police as a purported suicide note, she referred to an “agnipariksha” or trial by fire that she said she had been denied, and expressed hope that she would receive “justice” after her death.In an Instagram post, she said, “I have lived every moment for the propaganda of Sanatan. There is no religion greater than Sanatan religion in this world. Today till my last breath there is eternity in my heart. I am fortunate that I was born in Sanatan Dharma. “And also took last breath for Sanatan, every moment of blessings of Adi Jagatguru Shankaracharya, Vishwa Yoga Gurus and Pujya Saint Mahatma’s in my life I wrote letter written to Adi Guru Shankaracharya and many great saints of the country requested for fire examination but What was the nature approved? I am goodbye to this world forever but I have full faith in God and the revered saints Mahatma. If I live or justice will be served after I leave,” she added further.An ongoing investigation Police said they were examining the post as part of the investigation. The sadhvi had approached the police around six months ago, alleging that she was being blackmailed over a doctored video by members of her staff. She had claimed the video was being used to defame her and that she was being asked to pay Rs 20 lakh to prevent its circulation. The video was later widely shared online. Police had arrested one person in connection with the case, identified as Jogendra, also known as Jogaram, who had been working at the ashram installing sound systems for her sermons. Authorities said further action would depend on the findings of the post-mortem report.
