Shiva Avatar’ Claim: Godman Booked for Rape, Blackmail
Maharashtra man accused of exploiting woman after luring her via social media
- Self-styled godman accused of rape and blackmail
- Victim says he claimed to be Lord Shiva incarnation
- Assault allegedly took place in Pune lodge
- Case transferred for investigation; hunt for accused on
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 27th March: A self-styled godman from Maharashtra’s Palghar district has been booked for allegedly raping and blackmailing a 35-year-old woman after claiming to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, police said on Friday.
The accused, identified as Rishikesh Vaidya, allegedly came in contact with the victim, a Pune resident, through social media in 2023. According to the FIR, he convinced the woman that he was “Mahadev” and that she was his “Parvati”.
Police said the accused later met the woman in Pune and allegedly took her to a lodge in the Manjari area, where he administered a substance and raped her. He is also accused of taking objectionable photographs during the assault and using them to blackmail her.
The woman further alleged that the accused attempted to sexually assault her again at a hotel in Vasai in May last year.
Officials said the complainant decided to approach the police after the recent arrest of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat in Nashik gave her the courage to speak out.
A Zero FIR was initially registered at Manikpur police station before the case was transferred to Hadapsar police station in Pune, where the primary offence took place.
Police said the accused, who reportedly runs a social organisation, may have used a similar modus operandi to exploit other women. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the case.
