A self-styled godman in Nashik has been accused of sexually assaulting a 28-year-old woman under the pretext of spiritual healing, with allegations that he exploited her vulnerability and later threatened her to prevent her from speaking out. The accused, identified as Maheshgiri Baba, also known as Mahesh Dilip Kakde, is now facing legal action following a formal complaint.
According to the case details, the woman, who works as a security guard at a private hospital in Nashik, had been taken to the godman by her parents as she was dealing with mental distress and family-related issues. The accused allegedly claimed that she was possessed by a spirit and assured the family that he could cure her through spiritual practices and rituals.
As per the complaint, he instructed the woman to attend weekly prayer sessions every Thursday and gradually began contacting her privately through her mobile phone. Over time, these interactions reportedly turned inappropriate, with the accused allegedly sending obscene messages and attempting to establish personal control over her.
In August 2024, he allegedly asked the woman to meet him at a secluded location and then took her to a lodge. When she resisted, he was accused of threatening her using religious symbolism, claiming he possessed divine powers and that she would be unable to resist him. He then allegedly forced himself on her. The complaint further states that he also took nude photographs of the survivor during the incident.
The situation escalated when the woman later confided in her relatives. The accused allegedly responded by intensifying his threats, summoning her to his office and warning her against approaching the police. He reportedly claimed to have criminal connections and allegedly seized her phone, deleting messages and other potential evidence related to the abuse.
Due to fear and intimidation, the woman remained silent for some time. Eventually, she approached the Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, an anti-superstition organisation, seeking help. With their support, she filed a complaint with the Maharashtra Police, and a case has now been registered under provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013. Authorities have begun an investigation into the matter.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of similar cases emerging in Maharashtra involving individuals posing as spiritual healers. In another case from Nashik, a self-styled godman named Ashok Kharat was arrested in March after a married woman accused him of repeatedly raping her over a period of three years. He also faces charges related to deception and violations of the same anti-superstition law.
In a separate but related development in Akola, police have registered a case against another self-proclaimed godman, Chetan Sunil Mule, also known as “Gulal Shesh Maharaj,” for allegedly subjecting children to cruel and dangerous practices under the guise of treatment. Viral videos showed disturbing acts, including lifting children with his teeth and forcing them to sit on nail-studded surfaces as part of so-called rituals.
Authorities revealed that such activities had reportedly been ongoing for several years, with the accused conducting “darbars” where he claimed to cure illnesses and resolve personal problems. The case came to light after a member of the Child Welfare Committee, Pranjali Manoj Jaiswal, noticed the videos circulating on social media and initiated action.
Following verification, a complaint was filed, leading to the registration of a case at the Murtijapur Rural Police Station. The accused has been booked under multiple legal provisions, including Section 125 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which deals with cruelty against children, as well as provisions of the Maharashtra Anti-Superstition Act.
In response to these incidents, authorities have intensified their crackdown on such practices across the region. Several self-styled godmen have reportedly been issued notices, and officials have warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone exploiting people under the guise of supernatural or spiritual powers, especially when such acts endanger individuals’ safety and well-being.
