Latur: self-styled godman accused of raping minor on pretext of curing horoscope defect

A serious case has come to light in Latur, where a self-styled godman has been accused of raping a 17-year-old girl on the pretext of curing a defect in her horoscope. The case came to light after the girl developed stomach pain and her family took her to a government hospital for treatment. Doctors examining her found that she was pregnant. Police were then informed based on the medico-legal record.

According to the police complaint, the accused has been identified as Rameshwar Hanumantrao Ramdasi alias Rameshwar Maharaj, 45. Based on the complaint, a case has been registered against him under the POCSO Act at Vivekanand police station. Police arrested the accused and produced him in court, where he was remanded to 4 days of police custody.

According to the complaint, the accused had been visiting a wholesale grain market for several years to perform religious rituals. It was during this time that he came to know the victim's father. As the acquaintance grew, the accused began visiting the family's home. He then told them that the minor girl's horoscope had a defect and that a special ritual was needed to remove it. It is alleged that he won the family's trust on this pretext.

The police complaint also states that from June, the accused began visiting the girl's home in the name of performing rituals. It is alleged that he raped the minor girl during this period. The family did not find out for a long time.

The investigation has found that the accused has been performing religious rituals for about 30 years and also works as a priest at a well-known temple in the city. Since it is alleged that he raped the minor on the pretext of curing a horoscope defect, police are now investigating every aspect of the case. Police are also trying to find out whether the accused did the same thing to anyone else.

Latur city deputy superintendent of police Samirsingh Salve said the entire case will be investigated from every angle.