Self-styled ‘godman’ held for raping teen on pretext of removing ‘evil spirits’

BHOPAL: A self-claimed 'godman' was arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old girl in Rewa district under the pretext of curing her.
The girl's kin called the accused as they suspected that she was under the influence of some evil spirits. The accused first drew a circle using chalk in their house and asked all the family members to remain within the circle while he claimed to exorcise the girl.
He threatened that if family members came out of the circle, the evil spirit might cause harm to them. After doing so, he took the girl out of the room on some pretext, raped her and fled the spot.
The incident took place at a village under Sohagi police station in the district. "The incident took place on Saturday. The kin complained about the matter the same evening.
A case was registered, and the accused - identified as Samrendra (30) - was arrested on Saturday and produced before court, which sent him to jail," Sohagi police station incharge, Pawan Shukla, told TOI.
"It was superstition and lack of awareness that led to the incident. The survivor, who is 19 years old, remained ill for quite some time. Her kin, instead of getting her properly treated, believed that she was under the influence of some evil spirit and brought the accused home, who executed the crime," said Shukla.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)