Row over 'Kalki Avatar boy': Admin intensifies probe at Khandagiri Vaikunth Dham ashram

A joint probe team, comprising local administration and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), commenced surveying the premises of Vaikunth Dham ashram at Khandagiri locality of Bhubaneswar, on Monday. The area in question is being assessed to determine if it lies on government or privately owned land.

The administration, acting on the District Magistrate's directive, is taking precedence in the probe at Vaikunth Dham, with a collective team of officials from Tehsil, BDA, and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on the site.

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Adjacent to the ashram is a three-storeyed building allegedly used to host devotees from foreign countries.

“We identified the plot after a detailed survey and will match the same with official records to ascertain if the ashram is located on government land. We will also find out the Record of Right (RoR) status of the ashram land,” Assistant Director (Survey & Enforcement) of the General Administration (GA) Department, Amiya Kumar Das said.

A spot investigation is underway involving the GA, BDA, and local Tehsil office. An initial probe suggests that the land might be government-owned. Once the detailed survey is complete, a report will be submitted to the government for further legal action, if needed, the GA Department official stated.

Besides, a host of allegations were brought against the boy who was projected as 'Kalki Avatar,' an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A woman named Tanvi accused him of spending extravagantly while accompanying young women.

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According to Tanvi, who previously visited the ashram seeking a miraculous solution to her problems, she had previously seen the so-called Kalki Baba in numerous cafes and lavishly spending money with several young women.

Inside the ashram, the boy (who is now a student in a private college) was reportedly seen with sacred basil leaves (Tulsi) on his body, including on his feet and head.

No comments have been received from the Ashram management.

“Two to three persons had visited the ashram for their personal problems when I was coming here. He used to ask for money from followers and give Bibhuti to them who pay money,” the young woman Tanvi said to mediapersons.

Various organisations protested at the ashram, by throwing mud at a signage with 'Shri' written on it at the main gate and staged a demonstration. The incident has led to a government probe into the use of minors in religious activities.

Later in the day, Assistant Director Das confirmed that the ashram was built on 140 decimal govt land. A report has been submitted to the State government and action will be taken accordingly, the senior official added.