JAKARTA LIFE'S STYLE

The police have started examining Tara Pradibta Laksmi, 19, the former follower of Anand Krishna who reported him for sex harassment. Two other witnesses for the case have also been examined, one of which admits to be a victim as well. The Bogor and Sukaraja police, from the Bogor regency, West Java, have inspected Anand Krishna's retreat.

Examining Tara, the police asked around 20 questions. "The questions were about the (harassment) report. About what was done, how it happened, and why Tara was helpless to resist," stated Freddy Alex Damanik, one of Tara's legal counsel, after accompanying her to the Jakarta police HQ, Thursday.

Previously Tara had claimed that she had been harassed in dazed state, possibly because of hynosis, which made her powerless as she was hugged, kissed, and her private parts were touched by Anand during therapy.

Freddy went on that the investigators have confiscated a number of evidences from Tara, such as bracelets, Krishna statues, and a bead-necklace from Anand. "They were given on special occasions, such as Valentine and such." Those objects prove that the two had a close relationship.

Other witnesses

"Two other witnesses have also have been examined: Suwidah and Chandra. Suwidah was also a victim of Anand," stated Freddy. Freddy stated that Chandra and Suwidah were students and therapists at L'Ayurveda. Both were questioned regarding the frequency of Tara's visit to Anand's private room. "For Suwidah, she aws also questioned about what Anand has done to her."

Freddy admits that the two witnesses have never caught Anand red-handed with harassment but they often seen Anand and Tara going to a private room. Freddy couldn't confirm whether Suwidah will also charge Anand for sexual harassment. "So far, we're focusing on Tara. But it's possible (for Suwidah to also report harassment)."

Anand's retreat center

The police have inspected one of Anand's retreat at Bojong Onje hamlet, Gunung Geulis village, Sukaraya district, Bogor. "It's just a normal inspection, for follow-up investigation," stated the Sukaraja police chief, Police Commissioner Attendant Agung Raka, Thursday.

The police came to the retreat to check its surroundings, where Anand's followers regularly meditate. The followers were reluctant to give any statement. Anand was reportedly not at the retreat at that time.

The locals from Bojong Onje hamlet, near the retreat, are becoming agitated due to the harassment issue. Some villagers have come to the retreats to ask the followers to desist from their rituals.

"We've asked for Anand Krishna's followers to stop their prayers," said Tarmidi, a leading figure among the locals of Gunung Geulis. He claimed that the prayers of Anand Krishna's followers, although very similar to Islamic prayers, are disturbing the locals. The followers usually pray every Thursday and Saturday evenings, and their chants could be heard as far as the residential areas.

Another aggravating issue is the vehicles of the followers parked in front of the retreat have often congested the area. These two issues, combined with the harassment accusation, have made the locals uneasy.

"We ask that the prayers stop temporarily. If possible they should stop indefinitely," Tarmidi concluded.(kompas.com)

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