The Pimpri Chinchwad Police have arrested Prasad Bhimrao Tamdar (29), a self-styled godman running an ashram in Bavdhan, Maharashtra, on charges of practising black magic, cheating people, and secretly spying on them through their mobile phones.
According to senior police officials, Tamdar convinced visitors to download a phone app that gave him remote access to their devices. He allegedly used this access to watch the visitors secretly and coerced them into sexual acts, including involving sex workers.
District Commissioner of Police Bapu Bangar confirmed four complaints against Tamdar and stated that he has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Aghori practices and Black Magic Act, 2013. Investigations are ongoing.
In a related incident, the Chhattisgarh Police have registered cases against 21 individuals in Raipur for allegedly detaining and assaulting three men suspected of practising black magic.
The victims — Tilak Sahu, Naresh Sahu, and Amar Singh Sahu — were held hostage during Holika Dahan celebrations on March 13. They alleged being paraded semi-naked, tortured, smeared with black colour, forced to wear slippers as garlands, and subjected to other humiliations, including having chili powder rubbed on their wounds.
The FIR was registered only on June 9 after a local court directive. Police investigations continue.
