A self-styled godman from Maharashtra’s Vasai has been booked for allegedly raping and blackmailing a 35-year-old woman after claiming he was an incarnation of Lord Shiva, police said.
The accused, identified as Rishikesh Vaidya, came under investigation after the survivor approached the police following the arrest of another self-proclaimed spiritual leader, Ashok Kharat.
Police said the woman gathered the courage to file a complaint at Manikpur police station after learning about the Kharat case.
Accused Contacted Victim Through Facebook
According to police, the woman first came in contact with Vaidya on Facebook in 2023. He allegedly approached her under the guise of spirituality and later met her in Pune in December that year.
“In the meeting, he claimed he was an incarnation of Lord Shiva and referred to the woman as Parvati,” police said, citing the FIR.
The survivor alleged that the accused took her to a lodge in Pune, where he administered a substance and raped her. During the assault, he also allegedly took obscene photographs without her consent.
Blackmail and Attempted Assault in Vasai
Police said the accused later used the photographs to blackmail the woman and force further contact.
“In May, he called her to a hotel in Vasai and attempted to sexually assault her again,” an official said.
The woman has also alleged that Vaidya used his religious identity to trap and exploit multiple other women using similar methods.
Case Transferred for Investigation
Police registered a Zero FIR at Manikpur police station and later transferred the case to Hadapsar police station in Pune, where the alleged crime first took place.
A Zero FIR allows a complaint to be filed at any police station regardless of jurisdiction and is later transferred to the appropriate station.
“Efforts are being made to trace and arrest the accused,” police said, adding that further investigation is underway to identify other possible victims.
Second Such Case in Maharashtra in a Week
This is the second case in Maharashtra within a week involving a self-proclaimed godman accused of sexual assault.
Earlier, Ashok Kharat was arrested by the Nashik Crime Branch for allegedly raping a woman and exploiting others by claiming divine powers. Police said he manipulated victims through rituals, used intoxicants, and repeatedly assaulted a woman over several years.
Following that case, the Maharashtra government formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the allegations.
Investigation Ongoing
Police said they are now examining the full extent of the allegations against Vaidya. “We are verifying claims that other women may have been similarly targeted,” an official said.
The case has once again raised concerns about individuals misusing religious identities to exploit vulnerable people, with authorities urging victims to come forward and report such crimes.
