Kerala Sorcerer Apprehended for Heinous Crime Against Minor Under Guise of Exorcism
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through Kerala's Kollam district, a man has been taken into custody by law enforcement authorities for the alleged rape of a minor girl. The crime was reportedly committed under the deceptive pretext of performing an exorcism ritual, exploiting the family's vulnerabilities and beliefs.
Deceptive Ritual Leads to Horrific Assault
The distressing event unfolded in the Vendar area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Puthur police station. According to detailed police reports, the victim and her mother had initially consulted the accused, identified as Rajan Babu, who also goes by the alias Murari. The family sought his services for astrological guidance, hoping to find solutions to their personal issues.
Murari, a self-proclaimed sorcerer, cunningly manipulated the situation by convincing the mother and daughter that all their problems stemmed from an evil spirit possessing the girl's body. He offered them a false sense of hope, assuring them that he could perform an exorcism to rid her of this malevolent entity.
Premeditated Isolation and Subsequent Assault
Following his instructions, the minor and her mother returned to Murari's residence in Vendar on Sunday for the prescribed ritual. In a calculated move, the accused instructed the mother to wait outside the room, isolating the young girl inside alone. It was during this private session that the alleged sexual assault took place.
After some time, the traumatized girl emerged from the room and immediately disclosed the horrific details of the assault to her mother. The revelation sparked immediate outrage among local residents, who gathered outside Murari's home in protest. However, in the ensuing chaos and confusion, the accused managed to escape from the scene, evading initial capture.
Intensive Manhunt and Eventual Arrest
Law enforcement agencies launched an intensive search operation to locate and apprehend the fugitive sorcerer. Their efforts culminated successfully on Monday when a specialized police team tracked Murari to a lodge in Sasthamkotta. He was taken into custody and formally brought to the police station for processing and interrogation.
The accused has been charged under multiple stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 64 for rape, Section 74 for assault or criminal force, and Sections 75(1) and 76 pertaining to sexual harassment. Additionally, the case falls under the stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, given the victim's minor status.
Broader Implications and Social Media Activity
Investigations have revealed that beyond his activities as a local sorcerer, Murari maintained an active presence on various social media platforms. This aspect of the case raises concerns about the potential reach and influence of individuals who may exploit traditional beliefs for criminal purposes.
This incident underscores the critical need for public awareness regarding such predatory practices disguised as spiritual or healing rituals. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, in society.
