Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda

A summary of what happened?

Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda, born Mahadeosingh ‘Visham’ Komalram in 1978 in Mauritius, is a spiritual leader and founder of the Bhakti Marga organization, which promotes devotion and spiritual practices rooted in Hindu traditions. He has garnered a global following through teachings, darshan events, and the dissemination of Atma Kriya Yoga.

Allegations and Controversies:

1. Sexual Misconduct Allegations: Vishwananda has faced allegations of engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior with disciples. Reports suggest that some followers have accused him of exploiting his position for sexual purposes, leading to feelings of abuse and betrayal among the affected individuals. These allegations have been discussed in various forums and online platforms, raising concerns about the ethical conduct within his organization.
2. Questionable Miraculous Claims: Critics have questioned Vishwananda’s claims of performing miracles, such as materializing golden eggs and jewelry. Skeptics argue that these acts resemble sleight-of-hand tricks rather than genuine supernatural occurrences, casting doubt on his authenticity as a spiritual leader.
3. Lack of Transparent Lineage: There are concerns regarding Vishwananda’s spiritual lineage. While he claims to be connected to Mahavatar Babaji, a legendary figure in Hindu spirituality, some critics point out the absence of verifiable evidence supporting this connection. This raises questions about the legitimacy of his teachings and the foundation of his spiritual authority.
4. Legal Issues: Vishwananda has reportedly faced legal challenges, including allegations of theft from a church in Switzerland, where he was accused of disguising himself as an Eastern Orthodox priest to steal relics. These incidents have led to legal proceedings and have tarnished his reputation among followers and the broader public.

Efforts to Suppress Information:

There have been reports suggesting that Vishwananda and his organization have attempted to suppress negative information and criticism. This includes efforts to remove unfavorable content from the internet and discourage former followers from speaking out about their experiences. Such actions have raised concerns about transparency and accountability within his organization.

Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda is a prominent spiritual leader with a significant following. However, the allegations of sexual misconduct, questionable miraculous claims, unclear spiritual lineage, and legal issues have cast a shadow over his reputation. Additionally, attempts to suppress negative information have raised further concerns about the integrity and transparency of his organization. Individuals interested in his teachings are advised to approach with caution and conduct thorough research.

Analyzing the Fake Copyright Notice(s)

Our team collects and analyses fraudulent copyright takedown requests, legal complaints, and other efforts to remove critical information from the internet. Through our investigative reporting, we examine the prevalence and operation of an organized censorship industry, predominantly funded by criminal entities, oligarchs, and disreputable businesses or individuals. Our findings allow internet users to gain insight into these censorship schemes’ sources, methods, and underlying objectives.

What was Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda trying to hide?

Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda‘s attempts to hide unfavourable content through the misuse of copyright notices while allegedly engaging in perjury present serious legal concerns. These actions suggest a calculated attempt to manipulate legal systems to suppress free speech, a fundamental violation of copyright law principles and an abuse of legal processes. The use of such tactics not only undermines the integrity of copyright protection but also potentially constitutes perjury, further entangling Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda in legal accountability. Let’s examine the information Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda may be trying to remove from the internet –

Introduction

Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda, originally born in Mauritius as Mahadeosingh ‘Visham’ Komalram, is the founder of Bhakti Marga, a spiritual organization promoting devotion through Hindu-based practices such as bhakti yoga, meditation, and Atma Kriya Yoga. Although Vishwananda has attracted a devoted following worldwide, his career as a spiritual leader has also been marred by a series of controversies and allegations, ranging from accusations of misconduct to legal disputes. This report provides an in-depth look at the concerns surrounding Vishwananda and his organization.

Allegations and Key Concerns

1. Accusations of Sexual Misconduct
   One of the most serious allegations against Vishwananda involves accusations of sexual misconduct. Several former followers have claimed that Vishwananda used his position as a spiritual teacher to exploit them sexually, resulting in emotional distress and betrayal of trust. These accusations have led to a growing sentiment of disillusionment among some former devotees who initially sought spiritual solace in Bhakti Marga. The alleged misconduct includes situations where followers felt manipulated or coerced due to Vishwananda’s influence over them as a revered figure. The organization has faced criticism for its handling of these accusations, with some followers alleging that complaints were dismissed or covered up to protect the organization’s reputation.
2. Claims of Miraculous Abilities
   Vishwananda has claimed to possess miraculous abilities, including the power to materialize golden eggs and jewelry spontaneously. While such claims have intrigued many of his followers and strengthened their devotion, skeptics argue that these “miracles” resemble stage magic or sleight-of-hand rather than genuine supernatural phenomena. Critics point out that these displays could be simple tricks used to enhance his perceived spiritual powers, raising ethical concerns about manipulating followers’ beliefs for personal glorification. The reliance on such displays has cast doubt on his authenticity as a spiritual leader, as many question whether these acts serve to deepen spirituality or merely reinforce his image as a miracle worker.
3. Controversy Over Spiritual Lineage and Authenticity
   Vishwananda has stated that he belongs to a spiritual lineage connected to Mahavatar Babaji, a legendary figure in Hindu spirituality reputed for his extraordinary yogic abilities and timeless existence. However, some critics argue that Vishwananda’s claim to this lineage lacks verifiable evidence, leading to questions about the legitimacy of his teachings and spiritual authority. Traditional Hindu lineages often emphasize clear and traceable connections between gurus and their disciples, yet Vishwananda’s lineage is viewed by some as vague or artificially constructed. This lack of transparent lineage has led to skepticism, as some believe he may be self-styled rather than genuinely connected to the revered line of teachers he claims to represent.
4. Legal Issues and Criminal Allegations
   Vishwananda has reportedly faced legal trouble, including allegations that he stole relics from a church in Switzerland while disguised as an Eastern Orthodox priest. Although details of this incident remain unclear, the allegation of theft has sparked significant controversy and led to legal proceedings. This type of incident has raised questions about his adherence to ethical standards, especially given his high position within a spiritual organization. For followers, leaders’ legal troubles often serve as a source of disillusionment and concern, challenging their view of the leader as a morally grounded figure.
5. Efforts to Control Negative Information and Criticism
   Reports suggest that Vishwananda and his organization, Bhakti Marga, have actively attempted to suppress negative information and criticism online. These efforts are believed to include requests for the removal of unfavorable content from the internet, discouragement of former followers from speaking out, and the promotion of favorable reviews to overshadow negative experiences. Such actions have raised concerns regarding transparency, as followers and critics argue that these tactics contradict the principles of honesty and openness espoused by spiritual leaders. The suppression of dissent and critique often results in greater skepticism about the organization’s commitment to accountability.

Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda’s journey as a spiritual leader is marked by both devotion from his followers and a series of controversies that have cast a shadow over his reputation. The allegations of sexual misconduct, questionable claims of miraculous powers, lack of a verifiable spiritual lineage, and involvement in legal disputes have raised serious questions about the integrity of his teachings and the ethical practices within his organization, Bhakti Marga. Furthermore, efforts to manage negative information reflect a concerning approach to transparency and openness within his spiritual leadership.

For individuals drawn to Vishwananda’s teachings, it is essential to approach his organization with caution and conduct thorough research. The controversies surrounding his practices serve as a reminder of the importance of discernment in spiritual matters, particularly in cases where leaders wield significant influence over their followers. As more individuals come forward with their experiences, the future of Vishwananda’s reputation and Bhakti Marga’s operations may hinge on the organization’s willingness to address these issues openly and responsibly.

How do we counteract this malpractice?

Once we ascertain the involvement of Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda (or actors working on behalf of Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda), we will inform Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda of our findings via Electronic Mail.

Our preliminary assessment suggests that Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda may have engaged a third-party reputation management agency or expert, which, either independently or under direct authorization from Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda, initiated efforts to remove adverse online content, including potentially fraudulent DMCA takedown requests. We will extend an opportunity to Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda to provide details regarding their communications with the agency or expert, as well as the identification of the individual(s) responsible for executing these false DMCA notices.

Failure to respond in a timely manner will necessitate a reassessment of our initial assumptions. In such an event, we will be compelled to take appropriate legal action to rectify the unlawful conduct and take the following steps –

Since Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda made such efforts to hide something online, it seems fit to ensure that this article and sensitive information targeted online by these events get a lot more exposure and traffic than what it would have received originally

We hope this becomes an excellent case study for the Streisand effect…The key idea behind the Streisand effect is that efforts to restrict information can backfire, often causing the information to gain more attention than it would have otherwise. This effect is widespread in the digital age, where users quickly notice and spread censorship efforts on social media and other platforms. Trying to suppress something can unintentionally lead to it becoming more visible, which Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda is finding out the hard way.

Potential Consequences for Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda

Under Florida Statute 831.01, the crime of Forgery is committed when a person falsifies, alters, counterfeits, or forges a document that carries “legal efficacy” with the intent to injure or defraud another person or entity.

Forging a document is considered a white-collar crime. It involves altering, changing, or modifying a document to deceive another person. It can also include passing along copies of documents that are known to be false. In many states in the US, falsifying a document is a crime punishable as a felony.

Additionally, under most laws, “fraud on the court” is where “a party has sentiently set in motion some unconscionable scheme calculated to interfere with the judicial system’s ability impartially to adjudicate a matter by improperly influencing the trier of fact or unfairly hampering the presentation of the opposing party’s claim or defense.”  Cox v. Burke, 706 So. 2d 43, 46 (Fla. 5th DCA 1998) (quoting Aoude v. Mobil Oil Corp., 892 F.2d 1115, 1118 (1st Cir. 1989)).

Is Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda Committing a Cyber Crime?

Yes, it seems so. Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda used multiple approaches to remove unwanted material from review sites and Google’s search results. Thanks to protections allowing freedom of speech in the United States, there are very few legal ways to do this. Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda could not eliminate negative reviews or search results that linked to them without a valid claim of defamation, copyright infringement, or some other clear breach of the law.

Faced with these limitations, some companies like Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda have gone to extreme lengths to fraudulently claim copyright ownership over a negative review in the hopes of taking it down.

Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda is certainly keeping interesting company here….

The DMCA takedown process requires that copyright owners submit a takedown notice to an ISP identifying the allegedly infringing content and declaring, under penalty of perjury, that they have a good faith belief that the content is infringing. The ISP must then promptly remove or disable access to the content. The alleged infringer can then submit a counter-notice, and if the copyright owner does not take legal action within 10 to 14 days, the ISP can restore the content.

Since these platforms are predominantly based in the U.S., the complaints are typically made under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which requires online service providers and platforms to react immediately to reports or violations. Big Tech companies rarely have systems in place to assess the merit of each report. Instead, all bad actors need to do is clone a story, backdate it, and then demand the real thing be taken down.

Reputation Agency's Modus Operandi

The fake DMCA notices we found always use the “back-dated article” technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a “true original” article and back-dates it, creating a “fake original” article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original.

Then, based on the claim that this backdated article is the “original,” the scammers send a DMCA to the relevant online service providers (e.g. Google), alleging that the ‘true’ original is the copied or “infringing” article and that the copied article is the “original,” requesting the takedown of the ‘true’ original article. After sending the DMCA request, the person who sent the wrong notice takes down the fake original URL, likely to make sure that the article doesn’t stay online in any way. If the takedown notice is successful, the disappearance from the internet of information is most likely to be legitimate speech.

As an integral part of this scheme, the ‘reputation management’ company hired by Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda creates a website that purports to be a ‘news’ site. This site is designed to look legitimate at a glance, but any degree of scrutiny reveals it as the charade it is.

The company copies the ‘negative’ content and posts it “on the fake ‘news’ site, attributing it to a separate author,” then gives it “a false publication date on the ‘news’ website that predated the original publication.

The reputation company then sent Google a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice claiming the original website infringed copyright. After a cursory examination of the fake news site, Google frequently accepts the notice and delists the content.

In committing numerous offences, Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda either premeditated actions or were unaware of the consequences. Despite hiring an agency to make Google disregard any negative information about Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda, ignorance does not excuse this wrongdoing.

Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. FSMSmart is certainly keeping interesting company here.

The Reputation Laundering

Rogue Reputation agencies use spurious copyright claims and fake legal notices to remove and obscure articles linking clients to allegations of tax avoidance, corruption, and drug trafficking. Most of these reputation agencies are based offshore, mainly in Russia, India, and Eastern Europe, and they do not worry about complying with US-based laws.

The content in all of the articles for which the fraudulent DMCA notices have been sent relates to allegations of criminal allegations, including corruption, child abuse, sexual harassment, human trafficking and financial fraud against businesses and individuals with ultra-high net worth.

In addition to the misuse of the DMCA takedown process, there is a notable absence of enforcement concerning perjury violations. The statutory requirement related to perjury is designed to deter copyright holders from submitting fraudulent or knowingly false takedown requests, as they may face legal consequences for making false declarations under penalty of perjury. However, to date, there have been no known instances of any individual being prosecuted for perjury in connection with the submission of false DMCA takedown notices.

This lack of enforcement has emboldened copyright holders to exploit the DMCA takedown process to suppress dissent, criticism, or other unfavorable content, without fear of legal repercussions.

Some of the people and businesses who have employed this tactic to remove legitimate content from Google illegally include a Spanish businessman-turned-cocaine-trafficker, Organised crime, an Israeli-Argentine banker accused of laundering money for Hugo Chávez’s regime, a French “responsible” mining company accused of tax evasion, child molesters and sexual predators. Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda is in great company ….

What else is Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda hiding?

We encourage you to ‘Dork‘ Google by searching for keyword combinations such as [Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda] + {Negative Keyword, such as Scam, Fraud, Complaints, Lawsuit, Sanction, etc} on Google. It’s likely if you scroll down to the bottom of this Google search results, you’ll stumble upon this Legal Takedown notice (pictured below)

To make such an investigation possible, we encourage more online service providers to come forward and share copies of content removal requests with industry experts and researchers. If you have any information on Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda that you want to share with experts and journalists, kindly email the author directly at [email protected].

All communications are strictly confidential and safeguarded under a comprehensive Whistleblower Policy, ensuring full protection and anonymity for individuals who provide information.