Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Pune Police Book Godwoman, Four Others Over Ritual Extortion
Police in Pune have registered a case against Monali Vidhate and four other people.
A 47-year-old man said they promised to fix his family and health problems.
He found Vidhate through Facebook videos about rituals.
Police said he was sent items such as turmeric, a thread and a doll.
He was allegedly told that his problems could cause his death.
The man said he paid ₹45,400 for meetings and rituals.
He also alleged that he was threatened and frightened into paying.
He later reported the matter to the police.
Bibwewadi police booked Monali Vidhate and four others under Maharashtra’s anti-superstition law.
A 47-year-old man alleged they promised to resolve his family and health problems through rituals.
Police said the complainant was allegedly frightened with claims that his problems could lead to death.
He allegedly paid ₹45,400 for meetings, ritual materials and two “utara” rituals.
The complainant approached police after realizing he had allegedly been cheated.
- Who
- A 47-year-old man from Tembhurni in Solapur district complained against Monali Vidhate, Krishna Vidhate, Mayur, Ashok Bankar and Manju Kaur.
- What
- Bibwewadi police registered a case alleging cheating, threats and collection of money for rituals.
- When
- The alleged contact took place between December 2025 and September 1, 2026; one meeting occurred on February 17, 2026.
- Where
- The case was registered by Bibwewadi police in Pune; the complainant was from Tembhurni in Solapur district, and Vidhate’s residence was in Sukhsagarnagar, Katraj.
- Why
- The complainant alleged that the accused promised to resolve his family and physical problems through rituals and frightened him with claims about death.
- Police station
- Bibwewadi police, Pune
- Main accused
- Monali Vidhate, described in the report as a self-styled spiritual practitioner
- Other accused
- Krishna Vidhate, Mayur, Ashok Bankar and Manju Kaur
- Law invoked
- Maharashtra Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act
- Complainant
- A 47-year-old man from Tembhurni in Solapur district
- Alleged amount collected
- ₹45,400
- Facebook name
- “Guruvarya Monali Aai Vidhate”