2 hrs ago
Maharashtra Records 100+ Fake Godman Cases After Kharat Case
More than 100 cases have been registered against people accused of pretending to be powerful spiritual healers in Maharashtra.
The cases were recorded during the six months after the Ashok Kharat case.
Many complaints involve alleged sexual exploitation of women.
Other complaints involve physical abuse and taking money through fraud.
Some victims were promised help with black magic, sickness, family problems or money.
The Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti held meetings to teach people about these practices and support victims.
The group says fear and social pressure had stopped many people from reporting earlier.
It wants the state government to make the anti-black-magic law easier to enforce.
Police registered more than 100 cases against alleged fake godmen across Maharashtra in the six months after the Ashok Kharat case.
A majority of the cases reportedly involve allegations of women’s sexual exploitation, along with physical exploitation and financial fraud.
The Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti said its conferences and victim-support efforts encouraged more people to report alleged abuse.
Victims were allegedly promised solutions involving black magic, occult rituals, illnesses, family problems and financial difficulties.
MANS called for rules under Maharashtra’s 2013 anti-black-magic law and designated officers at police stations to improve enforcement.
- Who
- Police registered cases against alleged fake godmen; the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti supported victims and campaigned against superstition.
- What
- More than 100 cases were registered across Maharashtra, with allegations including sexual exploitation, physical abuse and financial fraud.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra, with Nashik and Pune districts reportedly recording the highest numbers.
- When
- During the six months after the Ashok Kharat case, with the six-month mark reached on Thursday.
- Why
- Victims allegedly sought help from practitioners making claims about black magic, occult rituals, illnesses, family problems and money; awareness efforts also encouraged reporting.
Key facts
- Cases registered
- More than 100 across Maharashtra in six months
- Most reported allegations
- Sexual exploitation of women, physical exploitation and financial fraud
- Organization involved
- Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS)
- Highest-reporting districts
- Nashik and Pune, according to MANS
- Relevant law
- Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013
- Law-enforcement concern
- MANS said rules under the Act have not yet been framed and implementation remains inadequate
- Reported promises
- Removing black magic, performing occult rituals, curing illnesses and making money “rain” from the sky
Sources
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