Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 8 (HBTV): Police have arrested a self-styled yoga guru following the recovery of cannabis and other objectionable materials from his under-construction ashram in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon district, officials said.

Acting on a tip-off regarding suspicious activities and the presence of anti-social elements at the ashram being built near Pragyagiri hill in Dongargarh, a police team conducted a raid and recovered around 2 kg of cannabis along with other items, Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg said.

The accused, identified as Baba Kanti Agrawal, was arrested on Tuesday, June 24, according to SP Garg.

Agrawal had reportedly left Dongargarh nearly 20 years ago and has been operating a yoga ashram in Goa for the past decade. Preliminary investigation revealed that he holds directorial positions in several companies and NGOs. Police are now gathering details about the sources of funding and the nature of activities conducted by these organisations.

The SP added that the authorities are verifying details of Agrawal’s properties, excluding the under-construction ashram. If any criminal links are found, the properties may be subject to attachment proceedings.

During interrogation, the accused claimed to have visited more than 100 countries and to have taught yoga to foreigners in Goa. Police are now investigating his NGOs and international travel history.

An offence has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Dongargarh police station.

(ANI)