Surat Yoga Guru Arrested For Fraud, Counterfeit Currency and Substandard Medicine Racket

A self-styled yoga guru has been arrested in Surat for allegedly defrauding hundreds of people under the guise of faith, Ayurveda, and spiritual healing, with investigators uncovering a wide-ranging racket involving counterfeit currency, fake medicines, and financial exploitation. The accused, Pradeep Jotangiya, popularly known as Pradeep Guruji, was taken into custody last week following a police crackdown on his ashram operations.

The alleged activities were being run from the Shree Satya Yog Foundation located in Dhoran Pardi village in Kamrej taluka. Authorities recovered over 40,000 counterfeit ₹500 notes during the raid, pointing to a large-scale fake currency network operating within the premises. The ashram, surrounded by high walls and restricted access, reportedly functioned in secrecy, keeping its activities hidden from the outside world.

Investigators said the accused exploited people’s faith by promising solutions to personal and medical problems, particularly targeting couples facing fertility issues. Victims were allegedly charged between ₹15,000 and ₹18,000 for treatments claimed to aid conception. These treatments were marketed as “miraculous Ayurvedic remedies" but were later found to be counterfeit or substandard medicines with no verified medical value.

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Further probing revealed that branded Ayurvedic products were purchased from the market and tampered with before being replaced by the accused’s own concoctions. These altered medicines were then sold at inflated prices to unsuspecting followers, generating significant illicit profits. Police sources indicated that special camps were also organised under the pretext of spiritual and prenatal rituals to attract more victims.

The case has also taken a serious turn with allegations involving inappropriate conduct. Investigators are examining a viral video in which a minor was allegedly shown in a semi-nude state during a so-called spiritual demonstration related to the “Sushumna Nadi", a concept in yogic philosophy. Authorities have termed the act a grave violation of law and ethics, raising broader concerns about abuse of trust within such institutions.

People from distant regions reportedly travelled to the ashram seeking relief from personal and health-related issues, unaware of the alleged fraud being carried out. Police have intensified the investigation to identify additional victims and trace the full extent of the network. Officials say further arrests and charges may follow as more evidence emerges in the case.

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