Bombay HC impleads CBI in Osho Trust's fund fraud case

Mumbai: The Bombay high court has directed the petitioner seeking a probe in the alleged fraud and misappropriation of funds of the Osho Rajneesh Trust to implead Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a respondent. The petition has alleged that the trustees of the Osho International Foundation have embezzled funds by forging the signature of the spiritual guru in his will. The petitioner sought transfer of investigation after the Pune police failed to make any substantial progress in the probe.

A division bench of justices R.V. More and Sadhana Jadhav was hearing a petition filed by Pune resident Yogesh Thakker who prayed that the investigation into the alleged fraud and misappropriation of funds of the trust be handed over to the CBI as the Pune police had failed to make any progress.  

After hearing the submissions, the court directed Thakker’s lawyer Pradeep Havnur to implead the CBI and the Union government as respondents in the petition.

“We have to also hear the CBI’s arguments since you (petitioner) are seeking a probe by them. Issue notice to CBI,” the court said and posted the petition for further hearing on September 27.

According to Thakker, the trustees allegedly transferred money from the trust to private companies owned by them. In 2012, Thakker wrote a letter to Pune police commissioner following which an FIR was lodged against the trustees in 2013, but no progress was made. Rajneesh passed away in 1990, and his will was prepared in 1989.

Thakker alleged that the will was forged. He supported his claim with a report of a private handwriting expert.