Self-styled godwoman Shri Radhe Maa, who is known for her unconventional ways of satsang, is now facing trouble on three counts and her lavish and glamorous lifestyle is fast snowballing into a major issue.
First, Mumbai-based Radhe Maa, originally known as Sukhvindar Kaur, has been accused of instigating a family to harass a woman for dowry and a case has been registered against her under the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Secondly, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the apex body of Hindu ascetic organisations, has banned her from participating in the Shahi Snan at Kumbh Mela in Nashik on August 29.
Thirdly, her photos in a miniskirt have gone viral on the Internet.
The dowry harassment case was lodged against Radhe Ma, 50, at the Borivali Police Station by one Nikki Gupta, who accused her husband, a chartered accountant, her in-laws and Radhe Maa of dowry demands.
Gupta said her parents had given substantial jewellery at her wedding but Radhe Maa allegedly had asked her in-laws to put pressure on her for more dowry. She was also made to work at her ashram which is located in Borivali western suburbs.
She is closely associated with the family of Manmohan Gupta, the chairman of MM Mithaiwala, a chain of sweet shops, and she stays in their apartment with her family.
“I wish to highlight some facts that are widely being misreported in media that appear to be connected with a dispute between Nakul Gupta and the extended Gupta family. Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa has no connection with the matter. Guru Maa has blessed us by sharing the Gupta family home for the last 12 years. For some reason the reports insist on calling the house an ‘ashram’. We sincerely hope that you will bear these facts in mind while reporting,” said Sanjeev Gupta, Managing Trustee, Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa Charitable Trust, adding they had faith in the courts.
Activist-lawyer Falguni Brahmbhatt also lodged a separate complaint at Borivali Police station accusing Radhe Maa of running a business disguised as religion.
A fan of adult entertainer and actor Sunny Leone. Radhe Maa is often seen kissing devotees and dancing during her satsangs.