Swaminarayan Gurukul accused of brainwashing children to become monks in Surat, Gadhada

Surat: Serious allegations have been made against the Vadtal Swaminarayan sect in the city, with accusations leveled against priests from the Vadtal Swaminarayan Temple at Silver Chowk for allegedly abducting and brainwashing a minor boy into joining monkhood.

A police complaint was lodged at Sarthana Police regarding the disappearance of Dhurv Sojitra, a 17-year-old student at Tapovan School in Nana Varachha. Dhurv’s father, Praveenbhai Sojitra, alleges that his son was brainwashed and coerced into becoming a monk instead of completing his studies.

According to the father, the family came into contact with the sect a year ago. He claims that his son was inducted into monkhood through a ritual called tilak haar, following which he was taken away after his head was shaved and he was adorned with white cloths. Despite attempts by the family to retrieve their son, he refused to recognize them. Consequently, the minor’s father demanded his son’s return, prompting Sarthana police to initiate an investigation.

In a separate incident within the past 24 hours, similar allegations have surfaced against Janardan Swami of the Swaminarayan Gurukul in Samadhiyala of Gir Gadaha. Ashok Shingala has accused Janardan Swami of brainwashing his son into joining monkhood. Shingala claims that his son, a class 10 student at the Swaminarayna Gurukul in Samdhiyala village in Gadhada, was influenced by Janardan Swami. Allegations include the discovery of a notebook containing questions regarding monkhood and an audio clip purportedly featuring Swami advising the boy to give up food if he was not permitted to visit the Gurukul.

Janardhan Swami, however, has denied these allegations, asserting that it takes 10 years to become a monk and parental consent is required. Swami claims that the child has reconciled with the family. DeshGujarat