A self-styled godman, identified as Radhamohan Mishra, 59, and seven of his associates were arrested early Wednesday morning from a bungalow in Ubale Nagar in Pune for allegedly sexually exploiting and grooming a woman for 15 years.
The victim, a 41-year-old woman from Sinhagad Road, Pune, and employed with a prominent firm, filed the complaint on Tuesday night. Alongside Mishra, his male aide Kanwal Nayan, 58, and six women associates were arrested. All have been remanded in police custody until June 20.
The godman hails from Haryana and has been residing in Pune for several years. Mishra, who made his followers believe that he was god reincarnate, first came into contact with the woman and her family around 2010 through his associate, Kanwal Nayan. Her family soon became devoted followers. The victim was made to live in the ashram after the godman convinced the family that she needed “correction”. She was subjected to abuse under the guise of testing her faith and obedience.
The victim accused Mishra of sexually exploiting her, administering electric shocks, forcing her to drink his urine, steal money for him, compelling her to divorce her husband and transfer property to his name. Police also claim he manipulated her family, turning them against her and portraying her as dishonest.
The victim, who was closely monitored by Mishra's aides, escaped the ashram by destroying the CCTV cameras. Following this, she revealed the abuse to her family and reported the matter to the police.
The alleged offences, spanning from 2011 to 2026, reportedly occurred in Haryana and Pune. Charges slapped on the accused include sexual assault, criminal conspiracy, and violations of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Black Magic Act.
Police recovered 12 laptops, 11 cellphones, 19 hard disks, 23 pen drives, several DVDs and CDs, jewellery worth ₹15 lakh, ₹6.5 lakh in cash, and 10 bullets from the bungalow, which served as Mishra's ashram. No firearms were found.
