Indian 'roving yogi', 38, is arrested while on a 'spiritual tour of Australia' after allegedly indecently assaulting two women 'after he was invited to pray in their homes'
- Self-proclaimed Hindu philosopher arrested for allegedly assaulting two women
- Anand Giri, 38, is accused of indecently assaulting the women at their homes
- On two separate occasions, he was invited into their homes for Hindu prayer
- In 2016 he allegedly assaulted a 29-year-old woman in the bedroom of her home
- In 2018, Giri allegedly assaulted a 34-year-old woman in her lounge room
- His website describes him as 'a spiritual leader committed to serving the society'
A self-proclaimed Hindu philosopher and 'roving yogi' allegedly indecently assaulted two women who invited him into their home for prayers.
Anand Giri, 38, is behind bars tonight after he was arrested for the alleged assault which took place in Rooty Hill, in Sydney's West in 2016.
Giri was due to fly overseas on Monday after a six week tour teaching spiritual lessons and yoga but was remanded in custody.
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Anand Giri (pictured), 38, has been accused of indecently assaulting two women in their homes in Rooty Hill in Sydney's west.
Giri was due to fly overseas on Monday after a six week tour teaching spiritual lessons and yoga but is remanded in custody
The self-proclaimed philosopher was arrested just after 12.35am on Sunday morning and was charged with two counts of committing an act of indecency on two separate women.
Police alleged that on New Year's Day in 2016 he went to a Rooty Hill home to participate in Hindu prayers with a 29-year-old woman and allegedly indecently assaulted her in a bedroom.
Two years later in November 2018 Giri was invited into another home in Rooty Hill to once again participate in Hindu prayers through the night.
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He and a 34-year-old woman were praying in the lounge room when he allegedly indecently assaulted her, police say.
Both women are believed to be known to the Swami teacher, police say.
He was taken to Riverstone Police Station and charged with two counts of committing an act of indecency with people over 16 years of age.
Giri appeared in court dressed in symbolic orange on Sunday as his lawyer asked for him to be bailed to a temple in Oxley Park.
The self-proclaimed philosopher was arrested just after midnight on Sunday and was charged with two counts of committing an act of indecency on two separate women
The Magistrate refused to release him to a temple they knew nothing about and he will remain behind bars until he faces court on June 26, Nine News reported.
Giri's website describes him as 'a spiritual leader committed to serving the society & inspiring people through his work and wisdom'.
'As a friend, philosopher & guide he has led his followers through Vedic teachings & helped them find their purpose & identity,' the website reads.
He claims he got his spiritual calling at age 12 before setting out on a path of 'self-realisation'.
Giri has completed extensive study of karma and spiritual laws, graduating from Banaras Hindu University and currently completing a Ph.D in Yoga Tantra.
The self-proclaimed Hindu philosopher and 'roving yogi' has been arrested after he indecently assaulted two women who invited him into their home for prayers
In an aim to 'guide people on life issues', he is a guest lecturer at six universities and often visits schools and colleges to 'guide and inspire youth to become change agents to society'.
Giri doesn't claim to be a priest, but rather a man 'hoping to create a bond witht he community'.
'Swamiji has been able to motivate people from all walks of life- intellectuals, social workers, community to work for moral values, social harmony & social discipline,' his website says.
'Swamiji has also been conducting various Yoga workshops enabling people lead a balanced & stress- free life.'
Giri's website describes him as 'a spiritual leader committed to serving the society & inspiring people through his work and wisdom'
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