In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage against superstitious practices, the Murtizapur rural police in Akola district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a self-styled godman for allegedly subjecting minors to dangerous and inhuman acts under the guise of healing. The action was triggered by a complaint backed by a viral social media reel.
Complaint Based on Viral Reel
Pranjali Manoj Jaiswal (46), a member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Akola, filed the complaint after coming across a reel on social media. The video showed a man claiming to possess divine powers conducting a ‘darbar’ where he swung small children by holding their clothes with his teeth. She described the practice as extremely dangerous and inhuman, posing a serious threat to the children's lives and physical safety.
Identification of the Accused
Upon verification, the incident was traced to Nimbha village in Murtizapur taluka. The self-styled godman was identified as Chetan Sunil Mule (24), a resident of Nimbha. The FIR was registered under multiple legal provisions, including Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 75 (cruelty to children) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Section 3 of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
According to police, the incident occurred before 7 am on April 21, while the FIR was registered shortly after midnight on April 23. Police said the alleged acts not only endangered the lives of minors but also amounted to spreading superstition and misleading the public. PSI Wankhede of Murtizapur rural police station is carrying out the investigation.
Legal Action and Public Outrage
Officials have stated that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found indulging in such practices, especially those that endanger children under the guise of religious or supernatural claims. The incident has sparked widespread outrage against practices that promote blind faith, particularly in rural areas. Authorities have urged the public to report any similar incidents to prevent harm to vulnerable individuals, especially children.
