Sadhu Charged with Sexually Assaulting Youths at Rajasthan Ashram

On August 28, 2025, a sadhu named Bhanwaranand Maharaj was booked by the police in Rajasthan's Alwar district for allegedly sexually assaulting two youths at his ashram. According to the authorities, the incident took place during the Pandupol fair in Baldevgarh the previous day.

The two victims, a 22-year-old and a 17-year-old, had visited the Hanuman temple and accompanied the sadhu to his ashram. They later approached the police deployed at the fair and complained that Bhanwaranand had sodomized one of them and attempted to sexually assault the other.

Superintendent of Police Sudhir Chaudhary stated that Bhanwaranand was subsequently detained and questioned. A case has been registered, and the investigation has been handed over to the Rajgarh Circle Officer. The police have also said that medical examinations of the victims will be conducted soon, and the "truth will be revealed after investigation."

Meanwhile, videos have surfaced on social media showing villagers thrashing the sadhu before handing him over to the police. Residents have also gathered at the police station, demanding strict action against the accused. As of August 29, 2025, the sadhu remains in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing.