I have divine powers, you can't resist: Rape case against another Nashik godman

A self-styled godman, popularly referred to as a “Bhondu Baba”, in Maharashtra’s Nashik has been accused of raping a 28-year-old woman under the pretext of spiritual healing. The woman had approached him seeking relief from mental distress.

A case has been registered against the accused, identified as Maheshgiri Baba, also known as Mahesh Dilip Kakde, under provisions of the state’s anti-witchcraft law following the woman’s complaint.

The survivor, a Nashik-based security guard employed at a private hospital, was taken to the godman by her parents due to family issues and her mental health condition. Claiming to possess divine powers, the accused allegedly told the family that the woman was possessed by a spirit and promised to “treat” her.

According to the complaint, he asked the woman to attend prayers every Thursday and gradually began sending her personal and obscene messages on her mobile phone. In August 2024, he allegedly asked her to come to a secluded location and then drove her to a lodge.

When the woman resisted, he showed her the rudraksha beads and threatened her, saying, “I have divine powers, you will be unable to resist anything,” before forcibly having sex with her. He also allegedly took nude photographs of her.

The complaint further states that when the survivor later confided in her relatives, the accused escalated his threats. He allegedly summoned her to his office, claimed he was a “goon”, and warned her against approaching the police. He also reportedly seized her phone and deleted messages and other evidence related to the abuse.

After remaining silent for some time due to fear, the woman approached the anti-superstition organisation Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti for assistance. A complaint was subsequently lodged with the Maharashtra Police, and an investigation is currently underway.

Nashik has recently witnessed multiple serious criminal cases involving self-styled godmen, with the most prominent being astrologer Ashok Kharat. He was arrested in March following allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman over several years under the guise of spiritual guidance.

CASE AGAINST AKOLA 'GODMAN' FOR ABUSE OF CHILDREN

In a similar development in Maharashtra’s Akola, a case has been filed against another self-styled godman for allegedly inflicting cruelty on children under the pretext of treatment. Videos that surfaced on social media showed disturbing visuals of the accused, Chetan Sunil Mule, also known as “Gulal Shesh Maharaj,” lifting children with his teeth, making them sit on nail-studded surfaces, and subjecting them to dangerous rituals.

The accused had allegedly been holding such “darbars” for nearly a decade, claiming to cure diseases, resolve family issues, and remove obstacles. The situation in the village appeared deeply entrenched in superstition, with reports suggesting that multiple such “Maharajs” operated in the area.

The case gained traction after a member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Pranjali Manoj Jaiswal, came across a viral Instagram reel showing the alleged abuse. Upon verification, a complaint was filed, leading to the registration of a case at the Murtijapur Rural Police Station.

Police have booked the accused under multiple provisions, including Section 125 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which pertains to cruelty against children, and Section 3 of the Maharashtra Anti-Superstition Act, 2013. Officials stated that such acts pose a serious threat to children’s physical safety.

Following the revelations, authorities have begun cracking down on similar practices in the region. Several self-styled godmen in Murtijapur taluka have reportedly been issued notices and warned of strict legal action. Police officials have made it clear that such “darbars” operating under the guise of supernatural powers will not be tolerated.

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Inputs by Pravin Thakre and Dhananjay Sable in Maharashtra

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