Haridwar, 04 October (H.S.): The American Ashram, also known as Swami Devanand Bhakti Yog Ashram, has come under controversy over allegations of an attempt to take control of its property, with its manager Paramjeet Kaur alleging that some people are conspiring to occupy the ashram land and tamper with the property.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Kaur said she had approached the administration over the matter but was not receiving the expected assistance. She claimed that there was no organisation by the name of Swami Devanand Bhakti Yog Ashram Trust and alleged that some people were using the name of the trust to create confusion.

According to Kaur, the owner of the ashram property is Madam Easter Freed, a Toronto resident, to whom Swami Devanand had transferred all rights related to the property. Kaur also arranged a video call between Freed and the media, during which Freed claimed that she had all the valid documents related to the property.

Freed said she was unwell and would soon travel to Haridwar to present the documents before the administration. She also sought action to free the ashram property from the alleged encroachment.

Kaur also alleged that Mahant Durgadas, Mahant Hathyogi and Mahant Rishishwaranand were involved in an alleged conspiracy to tamper with the ashram property. She claimed that Mahant Hathyogi had earlier sent a youth named Rahul to stay at the ashram for a few days, but that he was now allegedly occupying the premises.

The allegations have also raised questions over Baba Hathyogi's claim of being the president of the ashram trust. However, the version of the other side is yet to come. The actual ownership of the property and the existence of the trust can be established only after examination of the relevant documents and an administrative inquiry.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar