Self-Styled Godman from Vasai Booked for Rape After Luring Pune Woman Online

A self-styled godman from Vasai, claiming to be a spiritual leader, is booked for rape and blackmail after luring and assaulting a Pune woman through social media.

Pune | 27 March, 2026: A self-styled godman from Vasai has been booked for rape and related offences after allegedly luring a 35-year-old woman from Pune through social media, police said on Thursday, highlighting growing concerns over online manipulation and exploitation under the guise of spirituality.

According to police records, the accused -identified as Rishikesh Vaidya, who claims to be a spiritual leader heading a local organisation -first contacted the complainant on Facebook in 2023. Over time, he allegedly gained her trust by offering spiritual guidance and portraying himself as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, tapping into her religious beliefs to build an emotional, deceptive relationship.

Police stated that in December 2023, Vaidya travelled to Pune and convinced the woman that she was his spiritual counterpart or “Parvati,” a narrative often used in certain manipulative spiritual circles. He then reportedly took her to a lodge in Manjari, where he allegedly administered an intoxicating substance to make her unconscious and then sexually assaulted her. During the assault, the woman claimed he took obscene photographs of her without her knowledge. Later, he allegedly used these photos to blackmail her and force further meetings.

The complainant told police that in May 2025, Vaidya reportedly invited her again, this time to a hotel in Vasai, where he attempted another assault. Disturbed by the repeated abuse and manipulation, she finally gained the courage to approach authorities this week, especially after seeing others come forward in similar high-profile cases involving self-styled “godmen.” Police have noted that such publicised cases often encourage victims to seek help and break their silence.

The initial complaint was registered at Manikpur Police Station in Vasai before the case was transferred to the Manjari Police in Pune, where much of the alleged misconduct took place. Authorities said the incident is being treated as a serious criminal offence, and investigators are exploring whether the accused may have targeted other victims using a similar modus operandi.

The case has drawn comparisons to other recent incidents involving self-styled spiritual figures exploiting vulnerable individuals. Officials say that while many genuine spiritual leaders provide guidance and support, there is a troubling pattern of individuals leveraging claimed divine status or spiritual authority to manipulate, coerce, or sexually exploit followers. Experts point out that social media has made it easier for such individuals to connect with victims and cultivate trust before meeting them in person.

Local law enforcement is currently focusing on tracking down the accused and urging any potential victims with similar experiences to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. Police have also indicated that charges could be expanded as the probe continues and additional evidence is gathered.

In conclusion, the Vasai self-styled godman rape case underscores the dangers of online grooming and manipulation, especially when perpetrators exploit religious or spiritual pretexts to abuse trust. The investigation remains active, and law enforcement is prioritising justice and safety as they pursue charges and seek to uncover the full extent of alleged criminal activity.

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