MATHURA, Oct. 6
Police investigating the death of Rasik Dulari, a disciple at Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Mathura, are examining restrictions allegedly placed on residents’ mobile-phone use and communication with family and friends as they seek to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
Dulari died after falling from the fourth floor of the ashram on September 25. The death was initially treated as a suspected suicide, but investigators are now examining his movements before the fall, his physical and mental condition, digital communications and the circumstances in which he was living at the ashram. Police have so far recorded statements from 85 people. NDTV
According to police sources cited in the report, disciples or seekers joining the ashram were subject to strict rules governing mobile phones. Their personal devices were allegedly taken away and they were provided with different phones and SIM cards by the ashram.
Investigators are trying to determine why such arrangements were in place, how the replacement devices were used and whether any system existed for monitoring or recording communications. They are also examining where information concerning residents’ phones and previous contacts may have been stored.
Police sources have further claimed that communication between disciples and people outside the ashram was restricted. Contact with family members and friends was allegedly limited and, in some cases, completely prohibited.
These claims are now part of the investigation and have not been established as findings against the ashram.
Investigators are seeking to determine how frequently Dulari communicated with his family and people he knew before entering the ashram, and whether restrictions on outside contact affected his ability to discuss personal difficulties or concerns.
His mental state has emerged as another important line of inquiry.
Police are examining whether Dulari had been experiencing psychological distress or depression and, if so, whether he had communicated this to relatives or friends. Investigators are also looking at his life before joining the ashram and whether people close to him noticed changes in his behaviour afterwards.
His old mobile phone, the newer SIM card, call-detail records, messages and other digital evidence are being examined to reconstruct his contacts in the period before his death. Police are also speaking to family members and close associates to determine whether he had mentioned any stress, grievances or concerns relating to his life at the ashram. NDTV
The investigation has also focused on Dulari’s physical condition shortly before his fall after CCTV footage raised questions about his behaviour.
Police found a severe injury to his genital area. Investigators said CCTV footage showed blood on his clothes when he emerged from his room and went towards the fourth-floor terrace.
According to the sequence being examined by police, Dulari left his room at about 10.25 am. He went up to the terrace, where he was seen sitting for some time and briefly lying down. He subsequently stood up and fell from the terrace at about 10.36 am.
Investigators are particularly examining why his behaviour in the footage did not appear consistent with the severity of the injury found on his body.
That has prompted police to investigate whether Dulari was fully conscious, had consumed medication or an intoxicating or psychoactive substance, or was experiencing severe psychological distress at the time. These remain questions under investigation rather than established explanations for his behaviour or death. NDTV
His blood samples have been sent for forensic examination to determine whether drugs, intoxicants or psychoactive substances were present in his system.
The forensic findings could prove important in reconstructing the approximately 11-minute period between Dulari leaving his room and falling from the terrace.
Police are examining the case on several fronts rather than treating the initial suicide assessment as conclusive. The inquiry now covers the injury found on Dulari, his behaviour captured by CCTV, his mental and physical condition, his digital communications and the rules governing his contact with people outside the ashram.
The alleged restrictions on mobile phones and outside communication have consequently become part of a broader effort to understand Dulari’s daily life and social environment before his death.
Investigators have not announced findings establishing that the communication restrictions, if confirmed, contributed to his death. Nor have they reached a final conclusion about what caused his unusual behaviour before the fall.
The statements already recorded, digital evidence and forensic examination are expected to be central to determining what happened inside the ashram before Dulari reached the terrace on September 25.
