Anbu Jothi Ashram, an unlicensed home that takes in beggars, destitutes, mentally challenged people, alcohol addicts and others, which had been functioning since 2005 in Kundalapuliyur in Villupuram district, was closed in early 2023. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
The Crime Branch CID of the Tamil Nadu police ruled out allegations of organ theft from hundreds of inmates admitted to the Anbu Jothi Ashram in Villuppuram district and later shifted to homes outside the state.
Among others, the investigators tracked down several destitute women, beggars and mentally challenged people who were transferred to other NGOs in Rajasthan and Karnataka.
The agency is investigating allegations that many people, including senior citizens, abandoned by their families and living near railway stations, bus stands, temples and other public places in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu, were forcibly picked up by agents in private ambulances and taken to an ashram where they were beaten.
It was also found that inmates who were transferred to other locations within and outside the state may have become victims of organ theft.
No evidence of organ theft
“Full-body scans were done on scores of people who were taken from the Viluppuram ashram to homes outside the state. There was no evidence of organ theft. Even in cases where a few died due to certain ailments, the bodies were exhumed and post-mortem was conducted,” a senior investigator told The Hindu.
Crimes of using forged certificates such as police clearances for nursing and transporting prisoners to homes in Rajasthan and Karnataka were investigated. A huge quantity of drugs meant for neurological problems, which were seized from the ashram premises, were obtained from government hospitals on medical prescriptions, the officer said.
Evidence of sexual assault
Based on two sexual assault complaints, evidence was found to support the allegations made by the victims and the investigation was nearing completion, the officer said.
Sources in the investigating agency said that a monkey locked up in the ashram was biting some inmates. Action under the Act was initiated against those concerned for caging a monkey and making people vulnerable to its attack.
Anbu Jothi Ashram, an unlicensed home for beggars, destitutes, mentally challenged people, alcohol addicts and others that had been operating since 2005 at Kundalapuliyur in Villupuram district, was closed in early 2023 after government authorities raided it following allegations of gross irregularities and human rights violations. A National Human Rights Commission team also inspected the ashram.
Published – 05 March 2026 21:06 IST
