A self-styled godman, accused of subjecting several of his devotees to sexual assault at his ashram in a Dwarka village and blackmailing them into remaining silent, has been arrested.
Action was initiated against the godman, Vinod Kashyap, after two women filed complaints against him. DCP, Dwarka, Harsha M Vardhan confirmed Kashyap’s arrest, Indian Express reported.
Three-four devotees, mainly from Delhi and Loni, also called the Delhi Police and made similar allegations against Kashyap, 39, police sources said.
Also Read: Amartya Sen’s death news is false: Daughter Nandana Dev Sen
His ‘darbar’ operates from a temporary set-up with Kashyap being mainly involved in leading religious processions and events in the village. He often also delivers speeches and claims to “cure” issues ranging from infertility to familial and marital disputes, IE reported.
Two women submitted written complaints with Dwarka district police against Kashyap on Monday, accusing him of luring them with promises of solving all their problems and raping them under this pretext.
“He also threatened them. The complainants also alleged he extorted them. They had to sell their jewellery and give him money because he told them he had the power to destroy their lives and that he would tell their spouses and families about the sexual relations,” said a police officer.
Also Read: Pimpri-Chinchwad: 17 people hospitalised following chlorine gas leak at swimming pool
A case of rape and criminal intimidation has been filed against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Police said Kashyap was produced before court and sent to three days’ police remand. More raids are being conducted to arrest his associates.