'Divine Powers': Another 'Godman' Accused Of Sexual Abuse Arrested In Nashik

Last Updated:April 24, 2026, 23:58 IST

Self styled godman Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Kakde arrested in Nashik for sexually exploiting a woman using claims of divine powers, booked under Maharashtra anti black magic law

A self-styled godman was arrested in Maharashtra’s Nashik district for allegedly sexually exploiting a 28-year-old woman after luring her with claims of “divine powers", police said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Kakde (31), was taken into custody late on April 23 and remanded to police custody till April 29.

According to the complaint, the woman, who was facing personal and distress, was taken to the godman by her family. The woman’s parents took her to a Shri Datta Devsthan Mutt in Dharangaon (Khadak) village near Lasalgaon in Niphad taluka of the district in 2024. He allegedly convinced them that she was under the influence of black magic and could be cured through rituals.

Police said the accused used this pretext to sexually assault the woman at a lodge and later threatened her with dire consequences. He also allegedly took objectionable photographs to blackmail her and sent obscene messages.

The survivor did not approach the police immediately due to fear but later filed a complaint with the help of activists from the Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti.

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections, including provisions of the Maharashtra anti-black magic law.

The case comes amid an ongoing probe into multiple sexual exploitation cases against another Nashik-based godman, Ashok Kharat, raising concerns over the misuse of blind faith.

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