Part of Rohini ashram demolished for 'unauthorised construction'

Following the Delhi High Court's order, the North civic body on Tuesday demolished part of controversial godman Virendra Dev Dikshit's Adhyatmik Vishwa Vidhyalaya in northwest Delhi's Vijay Vihar in Rohini.

In a three-hour long exercise, the civic body demolished the tin structure on the terrace and the third floor for "unauthorised construction", said civic officials.

"The demolition drive was started in the afternoon on the illegal constructions in the ashram amid some resistance from the inmates who had been brought from other ashrams of the godman. The drive will continue on Wednesday also. We may take the sealing action in the coming days as well. A report has been prepared regarding the matter," said a senior corporation officer.

The ashram, belonging to the self-proclaimed godman, had more than 40 women allegedly kept in an illegal confinement, who were rescued in December 2017.

The rescued women were later sent to shelter homes.

DCW chairperson Swati Malliwal tweeted, "Though late but the MCD finally took action. Otherwise, it would have been difficult for them to show their face in the next date. The baba's fort will now be demolished where girls were exploited."

Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court had appointed a committee to file a status report in connection with the case.