A self-styled godman and seven of his associates have been arrested in Pune on charges of allegedly sexually exploiting a woman for several years, coercing her into divorcing her husband, forcing her to commit theft and subjecting her to physical and mental abuse.
According to police, the accused, Radheshyam Mishra alias Radhamohan Mishra, operated what he described as a “modern gurukul” in the Ubale Nagar area of Wagholi. Investigators said Mishra allegedly deceived and exploited followers over an extended period, with the complainant reportedly coming into contact with him around 2010.
Police alleged that Mishra gradually isolated the woman from her family and compelled her to divorce her husband. Between 2010 and 2016, he allegedly sexually exploited her, assaulted her physically, subjected her to electric shocks and recorded obscene videos.
Investigators said the accused allegedly used the videos to blackmail the woman and employed his influence and purported spiritual powers to intimidate her family members.
The complaint further alleges that Mishra and his aides convinced followers that he was a divine incarnation and subjected them to various forms of exploitation. Police also alleged that the woman was forced to carry out thefts to financially benefit the accused and his ashram.
During a raid on the premises, police recovered a large quantity of electronic devices and other material from an underground room. The seizure included 12 laptops, 11 mobile phones, 19 hard drives, several pen drives and cassettes. Officials also recovered cash amounting to Rs 6.5 lakh and jewellery valued at around Rs 15 lakh.
A stock of medicinal tablets and other substances was also found, prompting investigators to widen the scope of the probe. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices is currently underway.
Along with Mishra, police have arrested seven associates, including his close aide Kanwal Nayan. Investigators suspect there may be additional victims and have appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
“We suspect more survivors may approach the police. A detailed investigation is underway and efforts are being made to gather further evidence,” an official said.
The eight accused were produced before a court, which remanded them to police custody till Saturday.
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