Maharaj Sentenced to Four Years for Black Magic and Fraud in Pune
A sessions court in Baramati, Pune district, delivered a significant verdict on Tuesday, convicting and sentencing a 51-year-old self-proclaimed 'Maharaj' to four-year rigorous imprisonment under the Black Magic Act. The convict, Milind Madan Jadhav, was found guilty of exploiting superstition to perform fraudulent money rain rituals, targeting vulnerable individuals.
Court's Ruling on Charges and Sentencing
The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge SR Patil, also sentenced Jadhav to two-year rigorous imprisonment for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. However, he was acquitted of rape and sexual assault charges against the complainant, a mess operator, and her woman friend, as the survivors did not support these allegations during the trial and were declared hostile.
In his judgment, Judge Patil emphasized the need to distinguish between religion and superstition, stating, "It is time to acknowledge that innumerable offences have been committed in the names of some illogical practice, with a vast majority of victims being women and children. Equally important is the acknowledgment of a fine distinction between religion and superstition so that religion is not exploited by goons and so-called maharaj to fulfill their ulterior motives." The court noted that superstition remains prevalent in Indian society and is often weaponized to exploit people, especially women and children facing hardships.
Details of the Case and Allegations
The complainant, who lives separately from her husband in Baramati due to his alcohol addiction, alleged that Jadhav was introduced to her by friends as a 'maharaj' with supernatural powers. He claimed he could make money "rain" through special rituals. She accused him of raping her twice under the pretext of these rituals and cheating her of money. Later, she discovered that one of her friends had also been deceived by similar claims.
During the trial, the complainant and her friend did not support the rape charges, leading to their declaration as hostile witnesses. Despite this, the court proceeded with other allegations, focusing on the fraudulent nature of the rituals.
Evidence Under the Black Magic Act
While convicting Jadhav under the Black Magic Act, the court relied on evidence that the materials used in the rituals—such as heaps of rice, lemons, betel leaves, alcohol, cigarettes, and a chicken heart—were not typical of recognized religious practices. The court held that these rituals, conducted at a Mahabaleshwar bungalow, constituted "human sacrifice and other inhuman, evil and aghori practices and black magic" under Section 2(1)(b) of the Act.
Jadhav has been in jail since his arrest and has been granted the benefit of set-off by the court, meaning his time served will count toward his sentence.
