My Daughter Joined a cult - Docuseries by Discovery+

Nithyananda 

Chutiyananda

born on 1 January 1978 known among followers as Nithyananda Paramashivam or Paramahamsa Nithyananda, is an Indian Hindu guru and "godman". He is the subject of an Interpol Blue notice and a court-issued non-bailable warrant relating to allegations of rape.

He is the founder of the trust Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, which has temples, gurukulas, and ashrams in many countries.

Following accusations and charges of rape and abduction in Indian courts, Nithyananda fled India and went into hiding. He subsequently announced the founding of his own self-proclaimed island nation called Kailaasa.

 Godman or Conman?

Pray or Prey?

The docu-series, produced by VICE Studios, gives a story of the highs and lows of Nithyananda's life in the pursuit of the explanation for his great following despite being labeled a fugitive by the people who used to believe in him, with testimonials that are given from devotees, attorneys, journalists, and activists. The followers and ex-devotees share a personal perspective while giving vital information that assists us in better understanding the complete narrative, having lived the story themselves. 

Talking about the docu-series director Naman Saraiya said in a statement, “Such a comprehensive and complex investigation into Nithyananda and his religious movement would not have been possible without the trust and cooperation of each person we crossed paths with… be it former devotees, survivors, journalists, lawyers, and police officers. I hope the series resonates with audiences around the world and generates greater awareness of the events that led to his fall from grace and the indelible impact on those left in its wake.” He added, “My Daughter Joined A Cult has been one of the most challenging and rewarding projects of my career yet and I am incredibly proud of what the team and I have created with VICE Studios and Samira Kanwar.”

In the press statement, Samira Kanwar, VP of Content, VICE Studios, said, “My Daughter Joined A Cult is an uncompromising and unflinching docu-series about the internationally infamous figure of Swami Nithyananda. As is synonymous with VICE Studios, the series offers an authentic and compelling insight into a complex and controversial figure, using raw first-person testimonies and original production techniques. We are proud to be working with discovery+ to bring this series to a wide, global audience.”

Frame Study 

Brainwashed

1) Canadian Woman - Sarah Stephanie Landry

Sarah was brainwashed back then when she was under BABA NITHYANANDA. she talks about how they all were blind worshipping him. She added that children were asked to chant mantras and they made children believe that Nithyananda is himself, God.

2) Aarthi Rao

One of the key witnesses in the Nithyananda case, Aarthi Rao, approached Chennai city police on Friday seeking protection for her and her family members.

Speaking to reporters at the city police commissioner, Ms. Aarthi Rao alleged that her life was under threat and pointed out that two days back some unknown persons visited her residence in Teynampet, Chennai, one after the other posing unnecessary queries.

“An unidentified man was found lurking near my father’s car parked outside the house. I don’t think anyone but Nithyananda would try to threaten me as I am scheduled to attend a court hearing in Ram Nagar court, Karnataka, on Saturday and suspect his involvement,” she said after lodging a complaint with the Commissioner of Police.

It may be recalled that Aarthi Rao, an NRI residing in the US along with her husband, joined Nithyananda’s ashram there. Once, during a visit to Bengaluru, she met godman Nithyananda in his ashram. During her stay, she was allegedly raped by him. Following this incident, Aarthi Rao lodged a complaint with the police who booked a case against Nithyananda.

Why do people believe him even after the CD incident? 

“The video footage is genuine. It is untampered and there is no indication of alteration in the video. As far as image comparison is concerned, that is still to be done,” CID’s Deputy IGP Charan Reddy said. Asked about efforts to trace the actress, Reddy said, “She is not an accused in this case. She will definitely come. When she comes, we will examine her. “The CD was sent to Central Forensic Science Laboratory Hyderabad for analysis where it was found to be authentic, he said. The case was entrusted to CID for investigation after the scandal broke out in March when some TV channels aired the purported video footage. Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court reserved for tomorrow its order on a bail plea by Nityananda, arrested on criminal charges, including rape, from Solan in Himachal Pradesh on April 21.

Public Prosecutor Satish R Girji told the court that the investigation was complete and since there was no material on record, they did not require Nityananda’s further custody.

Justice Subhash B. Adi then reserved orders for tomorrow.

The Madras High Court had stayed all criminal proceedings against Nityananda pending before a court at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu where a private complaint has been filed against the self-styled godman.

BIDADI: Self-styled `god man’ Nithyananda Swami was granted conditional bail by the Karnataka High Court on Friday after over 50 days in prison. However, the court has restrained him from conducting preaching sessions till the investigation against him is in progress.

Justice Subash B. Adi, while granting the bail, said there is no doubt that Nithyananda’s actions hurt religious sentiments but, as there is no evidence to prove his crime, he could not be denied bail. Nithyananda was given bail on a bond of Rs 1 lakh and two local sureties. The CID has taken possession of Nithyananda’s passport and he will have to appear before the Bidadi police once every fortnight.