Self-styled godman booked for raping woman

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 11

Self-styled godman ‘Daati Maharaj’ has been booked for raping a woman disciple two years ago.

According to a senior Delhi Police official, they have registered a case against Daati Maharaj under IPC 354, 376 and 377.

The self-styled godman heads Shani Dham in Fatehpur Beri here and owns a bungalow at South Delhi. Many influential politicians keep on visiting the Shani Dham.

The woman following the sect leader has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by the accused inside Shani Dham but because of fear and social stigma, she didn't file a complaint earlier as she was intimidated by him.

Victim's father also confirmed that his daughter used to go regularly to listen to Maharaj and was under protection of Maharaj in Fatehpur Beri.

In the complaint, the victim has said, she used to visit the Daati Maharaj regularly to listen to his lectures in the ashram and one of the disciple had asked the victim whether she wanted to meet the Maharaj face to face.

After the allegation of the woman, according to police, Daati Maharaj is not available at his ashram and his residence. Along with Daati Maharaj the women has also included three more names in the police complaint.

The alleged complaint is been investigated by South Delhi District Investigative unit.

On the complaint, the ashram has sought Maharaj’s views that claims the complaint as absurd, holding no light against verification on most of the occasions.