About 30 people, all supporters of Isha Yoga Foundation, today gathered at the District Collectorate premises and claimed that Isha had indeed changed their lifestyles.

“Isha has helped us lead a healthy life. It is also supporting our children’s education. We owe everything to Isha to what we are today,” one of the supporters said.

The controversy began with a retired professor urging the Collector to help him in rescuing his two daughters, whom he alleged were held captive at the centre. Three days ago another couple petitioned the Collector seeking rescue of their son.

The Madras High Court had directed the Principal District Judge to visit the centre to conduct an inquiry with the inmates about their willingness to staying there and submit a report within a day. A three-member team, led by District Principal District Judge R. Pongiappan, visited the institution yesterday and recorded the statements of Geetha and Latha, now known as Maa Maayu and Maa Maati.

The sisters said they were staying in the centre on their own and not held captive. “Our parents are being misguided to defame the name of the institution,” they added.

Rural SP R.V. Ramya Bharathi and another judicial officer were also in the team.