Pune godman arrested over rape, torture of woman for 15 years

A self-styled godman has allegedly sexually assaulted, tortured and forced a woman to drink his urine for several years, following which he was arrested in Pune.

Sharing the information on Thursday (June 18), police said that the victim was also subjected to electric shocks, adding that the incident came to light following a complaint lodged on June 16.

Godman arrested in Pune

An FIR was lodged based on the complaint, following which the self-styled godman Radhamohan Mishra was arrested along with seven other accused, including six women.

Also Read: Nashik court remands godman Ashok Kharat in 7th sexual exploitation case

A senior police official said that the accused subjected the complainant to repeated sexual assault, molestation and inhuman treatment. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.

Acting on the complaint, police raided Mishra's ashram located in the Kharadi area of Pune, during which eight laptops, 19 hard disks, 10 DVDs, nine mobile phones, 20 cassettes and 23 pen drives were seized. Cash worth around Rs 6.5 lakh and gold and silver ornaments valued at over Rs 15 lakh were also recovered.

Raid at ashram premises

A large quantity of medicines was found at the premises, including some that had expired, the police said, adding that investigations were underway to ascertain their purpose.

Also Read: Self-styled godman arrested in Thane for raping minor on pretext of ritual

Police said that Mishra had allegedly been deceiving people for several years. The complainant's family had been associated with him for more than two decades.

Under the banner of a "modern gurukul", the accused allegedly persuaded families to allow their children to stay at his ashram. The children attended schools and colleges during the day but lived at the facility, where they were allegedly subjected to physical abuse and psychological manipulation.

Alleged pattern of abuse

Police said the accused created an impression that he possessed supernatural abilities and could read people's minds and foresee the future. He allegedly made followers write detailed "reports" about their thoughts and personal lives, which were later used to manipulate both the complainant and her family.

Also Read: Nashik ‘godman’ Kharat faces fresh rape charges as police uncover web of exploitation

Investigators said the victim was gradually isolated from her family and brought under the accused's influence. Taking advantage of the situation, he allegedly raped her and subjected her to repeated assaults and other forms of abuse.

The FIR also alleges that the victim was tortured over a prolonged period, including being given electric shocks and being forced to consume the accused's urine.

Probe widens further

Police suspect that the accused might have targeted more victims, and said efforts were underway to identify and trace them.

The portion of the ashram linked to the accused has been searched and largely sealed.

The accused also allegedly attempted to transfer properties owned by the complainant to his name. Police said some properties may have already been transferred, and offences related to cheating and fraud have also been invoked.

Police said the alleged abuse continued for more than 15 years, while the complainant's association with the accused dates back over 20 years.

(With agency inputs)