Dark Clouds Over 'Prati Gangapur': Another Godman Under Investigation

The Nashik police in Maharashtra have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against another self-proclaimed godman, exempting Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Dilip Kakde, 31, for allegedly exploiting a 28-year-old woman. The development comes amid ongoing investigations into the Ashok Kharat case, which has already rocked the state.

According to the woman's complaint, she sought help for personal issues at 'Prati Gangapur' mutt, where Kakde claimed she was under the influence of 'Karni' or black magic. Kakde reportedly manipulated her parents into performing rituals, sent obscene messages, and sexually exploited her. He allegedly clicked her objectionable photographs and threatened her to keep silent.

Empowered by counsel from the anti-superstition Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ANS), the woman lodged her complaint on Wednesday. A case of rape and major offenses under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman Practices Act, 2013, has been registered, and the police continue their investigation into this disturbing case.