A 30-year-old IIT Roorkee graduate, who left his job in Delhi NCR to become a self-styled spiritual guru in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly luring young women into his group and sexually exploiting them under the pretext of religious and social rituals.
Arrest and Background
Mathura (Rural) SP Suresh Chandra Rawat confirmed that the accused, Abhishek Mishra, alias Adikarta Narayan Das, was apprehended near Radha Kund in the Govardhan area on Monday night. Originally from Bhubaneswar, Mishra had been living in Mathura for the past three years, having graduated five years ago. He previously worked at a private company in Delhi NCR before moving to Mathura to pursue his role as a spiritual leader.
Modus Operandi
According to police, Mishra used YouTube and other social media platforms to deliver online discourses and attract followers, claiming his mission was to educate both men and women. He allegedly targeted young individuals, gradually brainwashing them and encouraging them to enter into so-called ‘Gandharva marriages’—a form of marriage that does not require formal ceremonies, witnesses, or exchange of sacred vows before a fire.
DSP Anil Kumar stated, “He manipulated women associated with the group and established physical relationships with them.”
Complaint and Investigation
The investigation began last month after a 22-year-old nursing student from Chhattisgarh filed a police complaint. She alleged that Mishra sexually harassed her after spiking the milk served to her as ‘prashad’. The incident occurred when she visited her elder sister, who was undergoing training with a PSU and was associated with Mishra’s group. The woman also claimed that Mishra demanded Rs 5 lakh, threatening to circulate her videos if she failed to pay.
An FIR was registered at Govardhan police station under BNS sections 64(1) (rape), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 75(2) (sexual harassment). During the investigation, police recovered more than a dozen obscene photographs of different men and women from Mishra’s mobile phone.
Further Developments
Police have freed at least three women from his ashram. Sources indicate that as many as six men and women have signed a joint complaint letter against Mishra.
