Self-Proclaimed Godman Arrested for Sexual Exploitation in Nashik, Maharashtra
Nashik ‘godman’ sexually exploits woman, clicks ‘objectionable’ photos, arrested
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Kakde, a 31-year-old self-proclaimed godman, has been arrested in Nashik district, Maharashtra, for sexually exploiting a 28-year-old woman. The victim, facing family issues, was misled into believing he could help her, leading to his assault and the taking of objectionable photographs.
- 01Maheshgiri, a self-proclaimed godman, was arrested for sexually exploiting a woman.
- 02The victim was misled into believing he could help her with family problems.
- 03Obscene messages were sent to the victim before the assault occurred.
- 04Activists from an anti-superstition organization helped the victim report the crime.
- 05The accused faces charges under multiple laws, including the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice Act.
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Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Kakde, a 31-year-old self-proclaimed godman, was arrested in Nashik district, Maharashtra, for sexually exploiting a 28-year-old woman. The victim, who was experiencing family issues, was taken to the Shri Datta Devsthan Mutt in Dharangaon village by her parents in 2024, where she met Maheshgiri. He falsely claimed he had divine powers to help her, convincing her that she was affected by evil forces. Over time, he began sending her obscene messages and ultimately sexually assaulted her at a lodge, taking objectionable photographs during the incident. After some activists from the Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, an anti-superstition organization, learned of her plight, they assisted her in filing a complaint. Maheshgiri was subsequently arrested and charged with rape, as well as under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
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This case highlights the dangers of superstition and exploitation in vulnerable communities, prompting discussions on the need for awareness and legal protection against such abuses.
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