
Mount Abu/ Jalore- In a shocking revelation at a press conference in Rajasthan's Jalore, Gujarati actress Pallavi Patil has accused the Brahmakumaris institution's Shantivan center in Mount Abu of enabling sexual assault and subsequent blackmail by one of its long-time dedicated members, Amit Rathod. Patil alleges that when she reported the incident to senior officials, they resorted to verbal abuse and issued death threats. She has also alleged inaction by police in both Gujarat and Rajasthan, as well as local authorities, leaving her in constant fear for her life. The alleged assault occurred about two-and-a-half to three months ago at the Pandav Bhawan premises within the center.
Patil, a known figure in Gujarati cinema who has been active in Bollywood for the past six to seven years, also claims to have served as a brand ambassador for several companies. Her films are available on YouTube, and she has produced content related to spiritual themes, including films on Lord Shiva. Speaking to the media, Patil revealed that she joined the Brahmakumaris four years ago, drawn by her family's long-standing association with the organization. For the last two to three years, she has been a regular visitor to the Shantivan center in Mount Abu, seeking solace from the stresses of the film industry. "My family has been connected to the institution for a long time, but I never imagined something like this could happen here," she said tearfully.
In her press briefing, Patil described how Amit Rathod, a 15-year dedicated member stationed at Gyan Sarovar, who heads the kitchen department and handles VIP guests, initiated contact through a mutual acquaintance. "He took my number and started sending messages and making calls relentlessly. I ignored him, but he wouldn't back off," she recounted. On the day of the incident, Rathod allegedly offered her prasad (toli) under the pretext of distribution, which she believes contained a sedative substance. "I started feeling dizzy, everything blurred, and I blacked out for two hours. When I woke up, my body was in severe pain, and he was in the room. I confronted him, 'What are you doing here?' but he told me to stay quiet and promised to explain later that evening. That's when I realized he had done something horrific to me," Patil alleged.
The assault was followed by a pattern of blackmail, according to Patil. Rathod reportedly messaged her, demanding she treat him like a "wife" would a husband, insisting on daily video calls to 'entertain' him. She claims he threatened: "If you ignore me or resist, I'll share these dirty photos and videos with everyone in my circle of brothers, they'll do the same to you." Patil asserts she has concrete evidence, including chat logs, call records, and videos, which she is prepared to present. "I'm ready for a medical examination even now, but two months have passed, and no one has acted," she added.
The Brahma Kumaris is the world's largest spiritual organization run by women, founded in India in 1937 and now operating in over 110 countries; it works for personal and global transformation through Raja Yoga meditation and self-improvement, with top leadership held by women who work in collaboration with male members, exemplifying an ideal of equality and cooperation.
When Patil escalated the complaint to senior members, including an assistant at Gyan Sarovar and the security in-charge at Shantivan, the response was allegedly hostile. "They hurled abuses and warned me: 'We know what our brother did, but if you speak out, your end will be bad. No one can touch us, our institution is too powerful.' They even said the police are on our side," Patil quoted them as saying. She broke down, adding, "These people talk like goons.
Patil filed complaints at police stations in Abu, Sirohi, and Bharuch, but claims she was met with dismissal and further intimidation. "The police abused me and chased me away, saying if I spoke against Brahmakumaris, they'd frame me in a case. Even attempts at a press conference drew threats." She expressed distrust in the State Women's Commission, stating no action has been taken there either. "I'm heading to Jaipur to meet the Chief Minister, my life is in danger. I live alone; anything could happen anytime," she pleaded.
This scandal casts a dark shadow over the Brahmakumaris, a global spiritual organization with thousands of dedicated members focused on peace and meditation. The Brahma Kumaris is the world's largest spiritual organization run by women, founded in India in 1937 and now operating in over 110 countries; it works for personal and global transformation through Raja Yoga meditation and self-improvement, with top leadership held by women who work in collaboration with male members, exemplifying an ideal of equality and cooperation.
When The Mooknayak reached out to the institution's PR team for a statement/comment on the assault and abuse allegations, no response was received. A senior team member, however, shared a counter-document: an FIR dated November 18, 2024, filed against Patil at Ankleshwar police station in Gujarat by another woman. The complaint accuses Patil of setting fire to a parked car on a public road. No official statement or denial has been issued regarding Rathod's alleged actions.
The Mooknayak has emailed Sirohi Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Chauhan and Rajasthan's Director General of Police seeking details on any complaints received from Patil, including FIR status, investigation progress, and protective measures. Updates will be provided as responses come in. Patil's revelations come amid growing calls for accountability in spiritual institutions, echoing broader #MeToo concerns in India.
Patil demands immediate arrest of Rathod, a thorough institutional probe, and enhanced safety protocols for women devotees.
(This report is based on Patil's press conference statements content uploaded by the actress on her Instagram handle. The Mooknayak remains committed to balanced coverage and will update as new information emerges.)
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