"Godman", claiming to be Shiva's avatar, rapes disciple calling her 'Parvati'

A 40-year-old man from Maharashtra’s Palghar district has been arrested for allegedly raping and blackmailing a 35-year-old woman after falsely claiming to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The accused, identified as Rishikesh Vaidya, is accused of exploiting the woman by deceiving her under the guise of spirituality, prompting police to register a case and launch further investigation.

According to the complaint, the woman first came into contact with the accused through Facebook in 2023. During their interactions, Vaidya allegedly convinced her that he was a divine figure and referred to her as his ‘Parvati’. In December that year, he reportedly met her in Pune, where he allegedly administered a substance that left her unable to resist and sexually assaulted her in a lodge.

The survivor further alleged that the accused secretly took objectionable photographs during the assault and later used them to blackmail her. Under pressure, she was allegedly forced into further contact, including an incident in May the following year when he called her to a hotel in Vasai and attempted to assault her again. The woman eventually gathered the courage to approach the police after recent developments in a similar case involving another self-styled godman.

Police officials said a Zero FIR was initially registered at Manikpur police station and later transferred to Pune for further investigation, as the primary offence occurred there. Authorities are also examining claims that the accused may have used similar tactics to exploit other women, indicating a possible pattern of abuse.

The case has drawn attention amid rising concerns over individuals posing as spiritual figures to manipulate and exploit victims. Investigators are now working to trace the full extent of the allegations and identify any additional victims, while efforts continue to apprehend and prosecute those involved.