In its first official reaction after two sisters and their mother ended their lives, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust has described it as an unfortunate incident and said that it will extend support to help the sisters find a suitable place to stay in any government run accommodation.
“It is unfortunate and heartbreaking that the sisters took this step and the Ashram shares in the sorrow with everyone. It is a moment of profound sadness for us and we reach out to everyone who feels the loss. We are upset that anyone should have to take such a drastic step,” according to an official statement from the Trust.
“The Ashram is a spiritual organisation, which has kept its doors open for all. Joining the Ashram is a voluntary act and there are a few rules, which every Ashram inmate is expected to follow. These rules have been laid down by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother which prohibit indulgence in alcohol, drugs, sex and politics,” it said.
The Trust said that one of the sisters was found in violation of one of the rules and it became necessary for the Ashram to respond.
Disciplinary actionThe Ashram took disciplinary action against Hemalata Prasad, based on the report of an enquiry by the Madras High Court.
The enquiry officer appointed by the High Court had concluded that “…the allegation against Hemalata Prasad is quite serious and if such misconduct is ignored and no action is taken that would be a bad precedent and it would jeopardise the noble principles on which the Ashram is established…”
Hemalata Prasad challenged the report and filed a suit to restrain the Ashram from following the recommendations of the enquiry officer.
“At that point, in an obvious attempt to divert the attention, the five Prasad sisters also alleged sexual harassment”.
In 2004, the National Commission for Women concluded that the complaint was false and motivated. In 2005, the National Human Rights Commission also concluded that the complaints were false. Multiple complaints by the sisters were also found to be false by the court. The Ashram had also been constantly receiving complaints from other inmates that the five sisters were making their lives unbearable.
The Madras High Court on June 21, 2010 ordered the five sisters to stay outside the Ashram and that the Ashram would bear the cost of their stay, which the sisters refused to comply by.
The sisters approached the Supreme Court, which also ruled in favour of the Ashram.
“The Ashram has constantly attempted to resolve the issue with the sisters, offered to find them a place outside the Ashram or give financial support for their stay, as fixed by the High Court. Refusing any assistance, the Prasad sisters attempted suicide.
Even today the Ashram will continue to extend support to help the sisters and find a suitable place of stay in any government run accommodation,” the Ashram Trust said.
