Maharashtra 'Godman' Faces Rape Charges After Claiming to Be Lord Shiva
A self-proclaimed spiritual leader from Maharashtra's Palghar district has been formally charged with the alleged rape of a 35-year-old woman, according to officials on Friday. The accused, aged 40, reportedly deceived the victim by asserting he was an incarnation of Lord Shiva, a central deity in Hinduism.
Complaint Filed Following Nashik Godman Arrest
The woman, a resident of Pune, came forward to file her complaint after gaining courage from the recent arrest of former Merchant Navy officer and self-styled godman Ashok Kharat in Nashik. This development highlights a pattern of alleged exploitation by individuals posing as spiritual figures in the region.
Alleged Deception and Assault Details
Police investigations reveal that the woman first connected with the accused through Facebook in 2023. In December of that year, the accused traveled to Pune to meet her personally. During their encounter, he allegedly claimed he was an incarnation of Mahadev (another name for Lord Shiva) and told the woman she was his 'Parvati', referring to Shiva's consort in Hindu mythology.
The complainant has stated that the accused took her to a lodge in Pune's Manjari area, where he administered a numbing substance before sexually assaulting her. Disturbingly, he also allegedly took photographs of her without consent during the assault.
Blackmail and Subsequent Incident
The woman told authorities that the accused, who operates a social organization in Palghar district, later used these photographs to blackmail her. In May of last year, he allegedly summoned her to a hotel in Vasai and attempted to sexually assault her once again, demonstrating a continued pattern of predatory behavior.
Police Response and Investigation Transfer
Senior Inspector Hiralal Jadhav of Manikpur police station confirmed that the woman decided to share her ordeal after the "Captain" Kharat case in Nashik provided her with the necessary confidence to approach authorities. Since the primary offence allegedly occurred in Pune, Manikpur police registered a Zero FIR on Wednesday.
This Zero FIR has been subsequently transferred to Hadapsar police station in Pune for further investigation. A Zero FIR is a first information report that can be filed at any police station in India, regardless of where the crime actually took place or which station holds jurisdiction.
Broader Pattern of Alleged Exploitation
The complainant has further alleged that the accused employed a similar modus operandi to lure and sexually exploit multiple other women. Authorities are currently making concerted efforts to apprehend the accused, who remains at large as the investigation progresses.
This case underscores the vulnerability of individuals seeking spiritual guidance and the potential for exploitation by those claiming divine authority. The police investigation continues as they work to bring the accused to justice and potentially uncover additional victims of similar schemes.
